The authors would like to thank the many persons representing the various agencies
that made this study possible. We also would like to acknowledge the contributions
made by several persons who made significant contributions to the overall project.
The California Department of Corrections. Personnel from the Directors
office, the Wardens and the correctional officers at each institution went
beyond what could be expected to assist and support this study in both phases(1977-78
and 1991-92). Their attitude, cooperation and efficiency were always of
the highest levels of professionalism. Working with them was a pleasure
in every case.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). As one
of the more progressive departments in America, CDF funded the earlier phase
of this study and provided personnel to interview arsonists in two states.
Their emphasis on fire prevention and arson investigation covers all types
of arson targets, going beyond just wildland, to include structure and vehicle
The California Department of Mental Health. Personnel from Atascadero State
Hospital were extremely helpful to the researchers in both phases of the
study. Informed consent was obtained from willing patients at this facility.
Everyone contacted there was of great assistance to this study.
The California Department of Youth Authority (CYA). CYA administrators
and staff, particularly the members of the Research Division, cooperated
fully in both phases of the study and were generous in sharing related research
materials. Their assistance is gratefully acknowledged.
The New York Department of Corrections. Administrators, Wardens and correctional
officers at the Department also went beyond the normal expectations of courtesy
and cooperation in both phases of the research. High quality, dedicated
personnel in the Department contributed significantly to our study and we
are most grateful for their assistance.
Although the number of inmates interviewed in other states was small, the
various departments of corrections were no less cooperative and helpful.
We appreciate the professionalism, courtesy, and assistance of Administrators,
wardens, and correctional staff from the Departments of Corrections in Florida,
Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.
Acknowledgments would not be complete without recognizing the efforts and
fine work of Patricia G. Ashby of the FBI Academys Investigative Support
Unit. Her tenacity and patience in organizing all the data from both the
earlier and the more recent research protocols were key elements in the
completion of this study.
FBI Student Intern Lee Ann Bass worked untiringly on this project for an
entire summer. Her diligent efforts and organizational skills are gratefully
We also wish to acknowledge the contributions made by Craig Broyles, a
graduate assistant at Central Missouri State University. Craig did all of
the data encoding for computer analysis and assisted in the analysis of
the data for this study. His diligence, painstaking attention to detail,
and accuracy significantly contributed to the study. We are grateful for
his contributions and assistance.
- Finally, the authors would like to thank all the cooperating inmates, wards,
and patients who agreed to participate in this study. Without their cooperation,
individually and collectively, a study of this scope and magnitude would not
have been possible.