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Arson trend increasing--a real challenge to psychiatry
P Räsänen1, H Hakko, E Väisänen
1Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Finland.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Arson rates in Finland significantly increased from the 1960s to the 1990s. Arsonists, unlike homicide offenders, often exhibit specific demographic and psychiatric characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Sociology
Background:
- Arson trends in Finland have not been extensively studied since the 1960s.
- Understanding the characteristics of arson offenders is crucial for crime prevention and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the historical trends of arson in Finland.
- To compare the demographic and psychiatric profiles of arsonists with homicide offenders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Official Crime Statistics in Finland from the 1960s onwards.
- Comparative study of arsonists (n=98) undergoing forensic psychiatric examination and homicide offenders (n=55) as controls.
Main Results:
- Arson increased fivefold relative to all crimes and tenfold in absolute numbers between 1965 and 1991.
- Men commit 90% of arsons, though the percentage of female offenders is increasing (0.2% yearly).
- Arsonists were more likely than homicide offenders to reside in rural areas, have poor education, lack regular employment, exhibit suicidality, have alcohol problems, and receive psychiatric care.
Conclusions:
- Arson in Finland has shown a significant upward trend, with distinct demographic and psychiatric profiles differentiating arsonists from homicide offenders.
- The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing the specific risk factors associated with arson offending.