Backdraft: How Firefighter Arson was Reduced by Admitting, Defining and having Zero-Tolerance for the Problem–A Lesson for the Medical Profession

Backdraft: How Firefighter Arson was Reduced by Admitting, Defining and having Zero-Tolerance for the Problem–A Lesson for the Medical Profession.

Some researchers believe that firefighter arsonists undergo a mental process referred to as RPM: the arsonist Rationalizes the crime, Projects blame, and Minimizes the consequences.
The impact of firefighter arson can be severe. People die or are seriously injured, including fellow firefighters. Homes are destroyed. An arsonist from within the fire department can disgrace the whole department, and his actions diminish public trust.  Several states that have experienced the crime of firefighter arson have developed new legislation that directly impacts the prosecution of firefighters accused of arson.
The most crucial step was admitting that the problem exists.  The second was defining the problem. The third was having zero tolerance for those engaged in the problem.    States that have taken this approach have found a marked reduction in firefighter arson.

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