Essay on Arson and Juveniles

Abstract

This paper touches upon on of the most important issues in juvenile delinquency – the issue concerning arson. It is known that this problem exists in our society and requires some appropriate solutions. The paper discusses the major factors which lead to the fire setting by teenagers, their motives and represents some programs that can help to prevent arson. Moreover, the paper includes Rational Choice Theory which helps to understand human behavior. In this case, it will help to understand how and why juveniles become arsonists.

INTRODUCTION

It is known that the term arson can be related to both juveniles and adults. Of course, there are different motives for arson in both cases. Adult arsonists are usually motivated by “severe emotional turmoil” or personal problems while juvenile arsonists associate their actions with their antisocial behavior or mental health problems. According to the statistical data represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, about 65,000 juvenile arsons take place every year in most cities of the United States. It is also reported that the cost of each arson is about $17,000. (Siegel, 2010, p.310)

It is clear that this serious problem should be taken into consideration by the authorities and the criminal justice system, and certain actions should be implemented to reduce the number of arsons in the country. Of course, the Fire Department in engaged in investigating the fires and prosecution but it is not enough. It is necessary to implement some new methods to prevent the crimes committed by the juveniles.

DEFINITION OF THE TERM ARSON

Arson is a criminal act which is related to the fire setting. It can be done intentionally or recklessly by a person who inflicts harm to his own property or to another property having some reason for this action. Arson is considered to be a crime. According to the laws of the criminal justice system, all the arsonists should be punished. The types of punishment include prison sentences, seizure of all asserts and financial penalties depending on the degree of criminal act. (Siegel, 2010, p.311)

THE MAJOR MOTIVES WHICH MAKE JUVENILES COMMIT ARSONS

It is known that juvenile fire setting or arson is an action committed by a person with certain motives. What motivates juveniles to be involved with fire? This question was discussed not only by criminologists but also by psychologists and sociologists who studied this problem.

Curiosity as one of the major motives of juvenile arsonists

Some of them consider that child curiosity is one of the major motives of arsons. According to the developmental studies report, about 40% of all juvenile arsonists just played with fire. These children are considered to be “risk takers” who learn new things “by doing”. This fact is connected with their free access to matches and other sources of fire. It means that their parents do not pay due attention to this problem. They did not explain their children the danger which can be caused by fire. Moreover, they do not punish their children for ill acts and bad behavior. (Schwartzman, 1997, p.10)

Intentional fire setting

The other motive of juvenile arsons is connected with their intention to commit arson. Intentional fire setting is not just child curiosity. In this case, such juvenile arsonists require special attention. They need help. It is found that most of such children live in problem families and do not have enough support. Most of such children do not go to school and take drugs or alcohol.

Psychological problems of children can lead to arson

The other motivation of those juvenile arsonists who commit arsons intentionally is connected with their “severe emotional disturbance”. These children usually have some psychological problems which are closely connected with their family environment. They may have serious mental diseases.

Group juvenile arsons

One more cause of juvenile arsons is a so called “delinquent activity in groups”, or gang activity which has the major goal – to revenge or to bring pressure on somebody. (Schwartzman et al.,1997, p.12)

Speaking about gender of juvenile arsonists, it is necessary to say that both boys and girls are involved in the fire setting. However, in most cases pyromania is related to male arsonists who can commit arsons due to boredom, or antisocial behavior while girls are involved in fire setting because some of them have been sexually abused or badly treated. (Siegel, 2010, p.313)

RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY AND JUVENILE ARSONISTS

It is known that Rational Choice Theory is considered to be one of the most strongest theories in criminology which gives explanation to the causes of crimes. This theory represents clear logical order which helps “to broad the scope”. Nowadays, almost every crime can be easily explained by means of the Rational Choice Theory. The rational decision-making process of the juvenile arsonist is evident in relation to the selection of time, place, victim and his property. The Rational Choice theory also evaluates the behavior of the juvenile arsonist paying attention to the situational factors which he uses in his decision-making process. Any arson investigation helps to explain if the fire was started intentionally or not. It is known that in most cases, the adult arsonists can commit arsons for insurance reasons while the juvenile arsonists have other reasons. It is not a problem for an experienced fire investigator to determine the true reason of the criminal action. Of course, the Rational Choice Theory plays an important role in any fire investigation. Many crimes are committed by the juveniles who know the consequences of their criminal action but have their rational choice to violate the law and damage somebody’s property. In many cases, the juvenile arsonists are aware of serious consequences of their crime which can cause death of other people. Of course, in this situation, the juvenile arsonists should be punished severely. The criminals who use Rational Choice theory in the process of the crime investigation pay special attention to the criminal’s behavior. Such factors as emotional instability and high impulsiveness, lack of self control, antisocial behavior, low level of education, alcohol and drug abuse are always taken into consideration. (Cornish & Clarke, 1986, p.29)