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11 Eur. Police Sci. & Rsch. Bull. 34 (2014-2015)
Forest Arsonists: Criminal Profiling and Its Implications for Intervention and Prevention

handle is hein.journals/elerb11 and id is 36 raw text is: EUROPEAN POLICE SCIENCE AND RESEARCH BULLETIN ISSUE 11 - WINTER 2014/15 FOREST ARSONISTS: CRIMINAL PROFILING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION Cristina Soeiro Psychologist Researcher and trainer at the Escola de Policia judiciiria Portugal Raquel Guerra Psychologist Researcher and trainer at the Escola de Policia judiciiria Portugal Keywords: forest arsonist; criminal profiling; Portugal; southern Europe; forest fire prevention. Abstract: The main aims of this study are the characterisation of criminal, psychological and social aspects of the Portuguese forest arsonists and the identification of their most important criminal characteristics. The research variables include criminal behaviour, socio-demographic and psychological and juridical-penal aspects. Results from a sample of 452 offenders show a typology characterised by four types of forest arsonists: instrumental-retaliatory; instrumental- beneficial; expressive-clinical history; expressive-fire attraction. The subsequent need for differentiated intervention and prevention strategies is discussed. INTRODUCTION Research shows that forest fire represents about 10 % of fires occurring annually (Anderson, 2010). Research also shows an incidence of intentional or negligent arson as around 13 % and 20 % in forest fire causes - the other identified causes being natural ones (Bushfire, 2010). In southern European countries, forest fires represent a problem with a strong social and economic impact. In orderto develop appropriate prevention and intervention strategies, it is essential to develop studies to characterise this phenomenon. This paper presents data from a research project carried out in Portugal by the Escola de Polfcia Judiciaria and the Polfcia Judiciaria, with the purpose of studying the individual and social characteristics of the forest arsonists. A similar study is being developed by the Spanish police (Guardia Civil) and it is expected that the two research teams will be able to compare results that can be used in a wider context, that is, by other southern countries in Europe having this type of problem. This paper presents the most important results that have been obtained so far in Portugal and is organised in two parts: the first part discusses, in general, the psychological, social and behavioural variables that may explain the arsonist criminal conduct and tries to set up a specific offender's typology; the second part presents and discusses the main results of the Portuguese forest arsonist criminal profile project. ARSON AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR An interest in fire is something that occurs in humans very early. Studies made on human behaviour related with reaction to fire have shown a natural interest in fire in very young children. Nurcombe (cited in Barker, 1994) said that children aged 2 and 3 years already show such interest. Block and collaborators (cited in Barker, 1994) consider that an interest in fire may arise 34

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