Australian arsonists: an analysis of trends between 1990 and2015

摘要

There have been few studies to date focused on identifying the characteristics ofAustralian arsonists, and a distinct absence of any analyses of trends in arson offendingover time. In order to address this gap, the current study reviewed sentencing transcriptsobtained across all Australian jurisdictions between 1990 and 2015, to identify trends inthe features of arson offending and key characteristics of the arsonists, over this25-year period. Offender characteristics such gender, motivation, Indigenous status anddegree of exclusivity–versatility of the arson offending were considered. Trend analysesindicated substance use, mental illness and female gender to be increasingly significantfactors in the commission of arson offences over time. Significant differences wereidentified between Indigenous and non-Indigenous arsonists, which raises questions as tothe adequacy of current theory to explain firesetting in this group.