NCJ Number
87644
Journal
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (September 1982) Pages: 32-44
Date Published
1982
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the crime of arson as it applies to the State of Victoria, including discussion of such factors as motive and method which are common to all Australian states and to other countries as well.
Abstract
Recently, there has been far more activity in the police departments, laboratories, and insurance companies directed towards the detecting of arson and presenting offenders to courts of law. The major motives for arson include financial gain, concealment of an earlier crime, revenge, intimidation, seeking sensation, and pyromania. Arsonists usually do not employ devices to ignite the fire, but do rely on the cover of darkness and a late hour to commit the crime without detection. Most arsonists do it for financial gain and are often paid to destroy property on behalf of others. The onus of detecting arson under the present scheme lies with the fire brigade personnel. Unfortunately, in Victoria, fire brigade personnel are not experienced or even trained to investigate the causes of fires, and the real number of arson cases therefore remains unknown. The cause of a fire cannot be determined with certainty unless the fire scene is inspected and the starting point determined. The laboratory examination of items involved in arson cases can be as varied as the sciences that constitute forensic science. With regard to conviction and sentencing, 15 percent of the deliberately lit fires in Victoria are investigated by the police department. Sixty-one percent of these charges result in acquittals if a plea of not guilty is offered, and of those who either plead guilty or are subsequently found guilty, 30 percent have a fine or bond imposed. Crime prevention can provide the most suitable solution to the problem of arson in Victoria. Three tables and five references are included.