If profiling works...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

This morning's Washington Post included an article about a blaze that was apparently set by a serial arsonist. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26330-2003Nov11.html

The print edition included the following:

Investigators have been working with an ATF behavioral profiler who specializes in the study of arson and explosives. The arson task force believes that whoever is responsible for the arsons may demonstrate certain personality traits that can help identify him:
* He may abuse alcohol.
* He may engage in reckless driving or unsafe practices at work.
* He may have a criminal history.
* When things go wrong in his life, he probably blames other people or situations. It is never his fault.
* He probably lies a great deal, and his dishonesty causes him problems in his interpersonal relationships.
* He lacks what would be considered normal empathy or concern for the rights or welfare of others.
* He has difficulty controlling and dealing with anger. Often, his anger may be inappropriate or explosive.

Tell me honestly, DUers...Who do we know that fits this profile to a T?

[GOPisEvil]

1. OMG!!! W is the arsonist!

Get a rope. :D

[GoddessOfGuinness]

2. I'd settle for these:

[Nay]

3. Unfortunately, this sounds like every immature asshole I ever met.

And there are still plenty being born and raised.

They haven't told us one of the main characteristics of a serial arsonist -- he has applied for, and been rejected from, a job as a firefighter. These guys are also often at the scene when firefighters arrive. Some have been caught because TV cameras keep picking them up at fire scenes. These guys (they are always guys) are sick puppies.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. That would make sense.

The same way pedophiles tend to take jobs that will give them access to children. Not to dispute you, but I'd be interested in your source of info.

I'm concerned about articles like this, since profiling is questionably ethical, and often unreliable...as it was when the police were looking for a 40-something white guy in their hunt for the DC Sniper last year.

Today's article also included an ATF sketch of a black man, with no explanation of evidence that would support the notion that the arsonist is an African-American or even that it is assuredly a man.

I'd say that was disturbing...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. kick

[GoddessOfGuinness]

6. once more