JST417 Psychological Aspects of Arson (8)
Enrolment Restriction: Limited to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Fire Investigation or the Graduate Diploma in Serious Crime Investigation
This subject will deal with the motivations for arson from a psychological perspective. The type of reinforcements that the fire setter can obtain from the arson will also be considered, as these can be important in identifying the type of person who is lighting the fire(s). This can lead to the formulation of strategies for investigation, eg what to look for in criminal records or the type of property or people that could be at risk in a series of offences. Possible legal defences and/or mitigating circumstances based on psychological variables will be considered.