One description of a serial arsonist does not exits
Someone who is addicted to lighting fires, someone who finds intense enjoyment from the sight of damage from his/her arson. These are typical characteristics of a pyromaniac. Theoretical research is more careful in defining a pyromaniac as someone (usually a young man) who has problems organising his own life, drinks a lot of alcohol and shows heavy emotions. However arsonists who have more than one crime on their records do not fit the standard descriptions.
Support for further investigation on serial arson
To say that there is one best way to describe serial arsonists is not possible according to the authors of ‘Het vuur aan de schenen’ (Fire at the shins). This research by the Police Academy in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands shows that age, motive, personality, characteristics, psychopathology and modus operandi tend to differ with each case of serial arson. The diffuse profile of arsonists who have committed 2 or more crimes within a short amount of time, makes it difficult to find the perpetrator. There are also several perplexities within the different stages of the investigation, according to researchers. The goal of this research was to gather information from literature as well is from actual arson cases in order to support further investigation on serial arson.
Information about the publication
Title: Het vuur aan de schenen. Seriematige
brandstichting in de opsporing. Een criminaliteitskundig onderzoek.
Language: Dutch
Researchers: Yvette Schoenmakers, Jos Hoekendijk,
Rob van der Kruk
ISBN: 978 90 7914 9247
Document type: Publication
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