Abstract This paper begins by giving a definition of arson and shows some recent arson statistics. The paper then looks at the issue of arson and fraud and discusses which kinds of people commit arson. A discussion about how arson is investigated and the types of evidence used in an investigation is included.
From the Paper "More than half of all arson crimes are committed by juveniles. "Juveniles now account for 55 percent of Arson related arrests." In some figures compiled by the state of Maryland, they found their juvenile arrest rate was over 60%. And, 10% of those juvenile arrests were under 8 years of age! A full 53% of all juvenile arson arrests in Maryland were under the age of 18. A breakdown of reasons for setting arson fires by juveniles shows that the largest percentage is vandalism, some 61%/ Other reasons include juvenile fireplay, spite or revenge, some sort of domestic situation (that is, arguing with Mom and Dad, and setting something in the house or yard on fire, including the family car). A very small fraction of juvenile arson was caused by attempts to conceal a crime."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the crime of arson. The writer examines how such a crime can be detected. The paper first examines the chemistry of a fire in detail and then looks at how fires spread. The writer discusses how to differentiate arson from an accidental fire, by detecting the presence of accelerants.
From the Paper "The crime of arson is the willful burning of someone else's property and the crime is more dangerous to human life than murder because statistically, murderers usually do not kill again but arsonists will continue to set fires until they are caught. Arson investigations are highly complex processes and unless conducted immediately valuable evidence may be lost forever. To determine whether a fire is accidental or a case of arson, it is necessary to understand the basics of the chemistry and behavior of fires. Fire is ... "
Tags: accelerants, ignition point, flashpoint, conduction, convection, radiation
Abstract This paper explains that, when examining fire-setting by children and adolescents, it is important to distinguish between fires set intentionally and fires accidentally set because so many children play with fire, especially between the ages of three and five, that many psychologists consider it normal childhood behavior. The author points out that research suggests a variety of factors associated with arson behavior in youths: desire to exert power over adults; an extreme expression of antisocial behavior; other aggressive behaviors, including lying, stealing, vandalism, and sexual offenses; and broad-ranging deficits in social skills. The paper reports that some programs that focus on correcting the lack of effective discipline in the youth's dysfunctional family have been able to reduce the incidence of repeat fire-setting behavior.
From the Paper "Other examples provided by Coleman et. al. do not show any likely causes from early childhood. One boy reported that he went into a brother's room, took his Game Boy and found a lighter. He then set his own curtains on fire ?just to see how it would burn.? He then went to church where he used toilet paper to start a fire both in a restroom and outside in a trash receptacle. He showed interest in both increasing thrills and in watching people's reactions: he threw the lighter into the outside fire and enjoyed watching it explode. He then enjoyed talking to people about the bathroom fire. Eventually he admitted to starting both fires, but since he showed no remorse, the researchers might wonder whether he also used the fires to draw attention to himself."
Abstract The paper defines arson and explores the reasons or motives behind this destructive crime. The paper talks about pyromaniacs whose motivations are often simply the thrill of the fire. The paper also considers the increase in juvenile crime related arson and discusses how this may stem from a traumatic childhood. The paper then looks at how fire investigators determine whether arson was the cause of a fire.
From the Paper "Over thirty thousand structural fires are set annually at a cost of over three-quarters of a million dollars worth of damage and more than three hundred lives lost. Additionally over twenty thousand intentionally set vehicular fires occur causing more than one hundred thirty million dollars in damages and an additional two hundred lives lost. Arson is responsible for twenty five percent of all fires and is the second leading cause of all residential fire related deaths."
Abstract This paper attempts to identify the different types of insurance fraud perpetrated today and to evaluate their effect on the insurance industry and society at large. After tax evasion, insurance fraud is considered the highest-ranked among white-collar crimes. It provides a history of insurance, examines in detail the main types of insurance frauds currently around and discusses the measures that can be taken to help prevent and reduce the number of fraudulent claims.
Table of contents:
Abstract
Introduction
History of Insurance
Insurance Fraud
How Insurance Frauds Affect Society
Classification of Fraud by Insurance Companies
Insurance Fraud Status as a Crime
Types of Insurance Frauds
Staged Auto Accidents
Arson-for-Profit
Health Insurance Fraud by Individuals and Corporations
Workers' Compensation Fraud
Property/ Casualty Insurance Fraud
Agent Fraud
Fake and Real Deaths to Collect Life Insurance Money
Identity Fraud
Efforts to Reduce Insurance Fraud
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the most famous insurance providers in the world today, Lloyd's of London came into existence in 1688. Edward Lloyd owned a coffeehouse in London where merchants and bankers evaluated the risk of the maritime operations of seafaring vessels used for trading among the various British colonies and those used for prospecting new lands. Financiers for the expensive endeavors and trips to far off lands invested huge amounts of money in the hope that the voyages would be successful. Ship captains required money for supplies and goods, and would offer to embark on these dangerous trips with the help of these financiers?a potentially, mutually beneficial endeavor."
Tags: premiums, fraudulent, claims, crime, arson-for-profit, property, casualty, health
Abstract This is a crime scene investigation paper that examines techniques in use at rape, murder and arson as well as routine crime scene investigations.
From the Paper "Processing a crime scene. Approach the crime scene investigation as if it will be their only opportunity to preserve and recover physical evidence. Ensure a perimeter is established. Perimeter boundaries can be reduced in size if necessary but cannot be as easily expanded. Respond to the scene expeditiously. Ensure restricted entry of non-police personnel as well as police personnel not involved in the investigation of the crime. Vehicles involved in a crime should remain on scene until processed to prevent alteration or destruction of physical evidence."
Tags: rape, murder, arson, crime scene investigations, chain of evidence, chain of custody, preserving, samples, trace evidence, forensics
Abstract This paper provides a discussion of the difference between the mental disorder of pyromania and the criminal behavior known as arson that focuses on the mindset of the juvenile arsonist.
From the Paper "here is a difference between the criminal mindset or behavior known as arson and the impulse control disorder known as pyromania. While arson is a crime pyromania is often considered a mental disorder. The pyromaniac has a clinical condition that is directly responsible for his or her fire setting. Arson on the other hand is classified as a violent crime. Though the arsonist and the pyromaniac are often confused as similar the clinical disorder of pyromania clearly defines the disorder as quite distinct from the criminal ..."
Abstract In this essay the writer reviews the causes or triggers of arson and suggests some possible treatments. Although space constraints do not permit an exhaustive review of every treatment available, the writer points out that there are some that have shown success in addressing the needs of pyromaniacs. The paper concludes, in part, by noting just how difficult and complicated is the matter of pyromania.
From the Paper "The phenomenon of pyromania is a matter that troubles behavioral and social psychologists the world over. Unlike so many other illegal acts, even the perpetrator has really no idea of the potential damage and suffering that may result from a fire-setting. For instance, while a gunman - or gun woman - can determine how many rounds he or she will fire, and while the flailing fists and feet of an assailant are directly under the control of that individual's brain (however dysfunctional it may be) an arsonist has positively no control over the dynamics of a raging fire; once started, a fire blazes its own path. With that uppermost in mind, it is clear that uncovering the root causes of arson and determining methods of treating individuals who commit the act is an abiding preoccupation for a great many professionals in the fields of psychology and law enforcement."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of opposition and tension to illustrate the major themes of "Barn Burning" by William Faulkner. The paper describes how these oppositions help to create the tension and mood in the story, and serve as a literary device to illustrate the author's themes of the initiation of the adolescent into adult life, and the triumph of the personal conscience over family loyalty.
From the Paper "Sarty's blood tie to his father versus the pull of moral imperative to society in general is likely the major opposition within "Barn Burning". As the story begins, Sartoris Snopes is in court, hoping that he does not have to testify in the arson case against his father, Mr. Snopes. Sarty knows that his father is guilty, but is willing to lie in court because he feels that his blood tie, to his father, or the "pull of blood" outweighs any moral imperative or decent behaviour to society. Sarty thinks that Mr. Harris is "his father's enemy (our enemy he thought in that despair, ourn, mine and hisn both! He's my father!)". Ultimately, Sarty must warn Mr. de Spain of his father's plans to burn down the plantation, as he cannot stop his father's actions. In this warning, the moral imperative to society wins out over the blood ties to his father, and Sarty has passed through a difficult and painful initiation into adult life."
Abstract The paper considers the manner in which the relationship between Colonel Sartoris Snopes and his father is conveyed through characterization and narrative structure in William Faulkner's novel "Barn Burning". The paper also pays close attention to the language of the text and the way in which Faulkner uses words and images to convey the relationship between the two characters.
From the Paper "In this story Colonel Sartoris Snopes is a boy torn in two by his love-hate relationship with his father. The essence of the conflict is described by the boy as "the old fierce pull of blood." This double entendre at once connotes violence as well as loyalty to one's family, a mix "of despair and grief" ("Barn Burning" 421). On the one hand Colonel Sartoris feels compelled to protect his father since (as Mr. Snopes himself puts it) "you got to learn to stick to your own blood or you ain't gonna have any blood to stick to you" (424). On the other hand, his father is a dangerous man, whose "wolf like independence" (423) causes him to resent having to work for others as a tenant farmer, a dissatisfaction that he expresses by burning the barns of the landowners who employ him. As a consequence of the father's actions, the family is always ensnared in litigation. The family is always in upheaval, always on the move; though only ten years old, Colonel Sartoris has already moved twelve times (425)."
Abstract The purpose of this research is to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of a private investigation bureau in Barstow, California, a small town in California's Mojave Desert that sits just at the entrance to the Mojave National Preserve. Specifically, the study focuses on the selected site and analyzes it for sales potential using a demographic analysis of the area's general features and characteristics. The research begins with a literature review designed to provide context to the study by providing relevant information on the general nature of private investigation work; the daily routines of private investigators; the basic characteristics and skills needed by successful private investigators; the characteristics of clients and client groups using the services of private investigators; the types of services offered by private investigators; the general income and earnings of private investigators; the education and training of private investigators; the licensing requirements of private investigators; the general features of the private investigation firm and the expected changes in the field that will take place in the twenty-first century. The literature review is followed by a delineation and discussion of methods used in the collection of feasibility data. Following the delineation of methods, the next section of the study provides an analysis of collected data and interpretation of its meaning in determining the extent to which it may be feasible to open a private investigation bureau in Barstow. The final section of the thesis presents a summary of the major findings and conclusions of the research.
Paper Headings:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Literature Review
General Nature of the Work
Daily Routines
Characteristics of Successful Private Investigators
Client Characteristics
Types of Investigations Conducted by Private Investigation Bureaus
Location of Persons
Locating Assets
Background Investigation
Surveillance Investigation
Internal Business Theft and Sub-Rosa Investigations
Traffic Collision Investigations
Fire/Arson Investigations
Business Credit Investigations
Federal/Criminal Investigations
State and Federal Records Investigation
Education Verification
Employment Verification
Medical Licenses Verification
Income and Earnings
Training and Education
Licensing and Insurance
The Private Investigation Firm
Private Investigation in the Twenty-First Century
Methodology
Data Analysis
Economic Feasibility
Competition
Labor Force
Supplementary Considerations
Summary
Works Cited
From the Paper "According to Travers (1997), private investigation is a growing field with the employment of private detectives and investigators being expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations throughout the year 2005. In addition, Travers reports that job turnover will create many additional job openings, particularly among investigators who are wage and salary workers. Nevertheless, competition is expected to continually increase for the available openings because private detective and private investigator careers are attractive to many.
Travers (1997) also states that the increased demand for private detectives and investigators will be generated by increases in the size of the population, increased economic activity, and global and domestic competition. These forces are expected to produce increases in crime, litigation, and the need for confidential information of all kinds. As crime continues to increase, more firms will hire or contract for the service of private detectives."
Abstract This paper examines William Faulkner's short story "Barn Burning" and looks at how at one level it is a very detailed description of that period of Southern history during which everyone was legally free but which so many were bound to contracts of labor. It also discusses how at the same time it also a story about the enduring dynamics of human relationships, of the different ways in which people can be strong or weak and the ways in which one can mimic the others. It demonstrates how we are made to understand when we read this story both something of what life is like for a young boy in a sharecropping family in the South and also what it is like to be a boy coming into a sense of his own power in any family, in any society, in the world.
From the Paper "The father in this story who burns barns and ruins everything else that he touches ? from rugs to people ? is a character who cannot learn from the past, although it might be argued that he too in on a quest ? one of self-immolation as well as the arson-destruction of everything around him. His father has lost the ability to set out on any quests, to direct his action outward to the world. He seems to be a man who can take action, for certainly he does make things happen. But for all the fires he sets he is actually a passive person. He is a person who does not change the world but is entrapped by it. He is a man who cannot conceive of making his own way in the world: He is enslaved in the most fundamental of ways."
Abstract This paper explores the process of investigating the causes of a fire. The paper begins by defining the various roles of the investigator, from police and fire marshals to insurance personnel. The paper offers examples of various investigations, including private houses and businesses, and shows how each investigation was carried out and by whom.
Contents:
Introduction
Importance of the Investigation
What Happens in an Investigation
Who Conducts an Investigation
When and Where an Investigation Takes Place
Conclusion
From the Paper "Barring anything obvious such as this, the information collected about the fire is usually left up to the investigation team and the Fire Marshall, because they have more experience in fire investigation and also the equipment and technology to do detailed analysis on clues that they find to help them determine what started the fire, when the fire got started, and potentially who started the fire if it is deemed to be deliberate. The technology available to fire investigators is very important. As criminals get smarter, it is necessary that technology work to keep up with these more advanced criminals so that they are not able to get away with crimes like insurance fraud and arson so easily."
Abstract This paper examines the capital murder statutes in the State of Texas. It focuses on what constitutes capital crime cases in Texas. It also examines how the state conducts and administers capital murder cases.
From the Paper "The state of Texas has the dubious honor of being the death penalty capital of the United States. There are currently 451 offenders on death row in Texas. In 2003 321 executions were implemented in the state (Texas Department of Criminal Justice). These figures ensure that Texas leads all other states in the number of executions performed each year."
Abstract This paper explains that, after more than 100 years of union activity in the United States, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (also known as the Teamsters or Teamsters Union) leadership has harmed both labor relations and the union itself. The author points out that, from 1979 to 1984, a Teamster's official was indicted by federal authorities every eight days, 225 indictments for misdeeds ranging from racketeering to arson to aggravated assault to extortion, bribery, and pension fund embezzlement. The paper relates that, while the Teamsters are taken to task for flouting the law in ways that almost always cause harm to members, such as the continuing pension debacle, and while the leadership serves itself extremely well with salaries and perks, it continues to serve its members badly.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Worst of a Bad Lot
The Branch Doesn"t Fall Far from the Tree
What Would Have Changed"
Even Better Full-Time Jobs for Leaders
What's Good for the Goose?
A Brief Glimpse of Camelot
Finest Hour
From the Paper "In fact, the federal government finally placed the Central States Pension Fund (also known as the mafia bank) in trusteeship because of the Teamsters? leadership spending million in funds supposedly for retirement benefits on Mafia-related loans to Las Vegas casinos. While it is, Waldman admits, likely the Teamsters membership had higher wages, and thus made higher pension contributions, than they would have without the union, the sting of losing a great deal of their expected retirement income was another example of the poor "labor relations" conduct of the leadership."
