Alida V. Merlo

Geographical patterns of incendiary and accidental fires in Springfield, Massachusetts, 1980–1984

Arson is a serious crime occurring with increasing frequency in urban America today. To date, this crime remains poorly documented and seldom discussed in the literature, particularly from a geographical viewpoint. This study examined the spatial distribution and underlying factors associated with 440 arson and 732 accidental fires recorded in Springfield, Massachusetts, between 1980 and 1984. Based upon a series of dot and choropleth maps, there was evidence that both incendiary and accidental fires were clustered not only in specific Springfield neighborhoods but also along individual city streets. In an attempt to understand better the varying frequency of arson fires among the 36 census tracts in the Springfield study area, a multiple regression analysis was performed using census data reflecting a variety of social, economic, and housing characteristics. Two variables, representing housing vacancy and tenement-type housing, entered into the final regression equation. Together, these two variables accounted for 70.4% of the reported arson cases. A subsequent inspection of the regression residuals revealed a random geographical pattern, thereby precluding any simple explanation for the remaining unexplained arson. Other factors such as insurance, building ownership, and length of occupancy were thought to warrant examination in future research.

Adapting Conservative Correctional Policies to the Economic Realities of the 1990s

This article reviews the impact that the punitive, “get tough” policies of the 1980s have had on corrections. With record breaking increases in prison populations, legislators and policy makers have had to confront the realities of fiscal constraints while responding to the conservative agenda on crime. The consequence has been to develop and expand alternatives to incarceration which can be both tough on criminals but cheaper than traditional prison punishment. However, intermediate punishments such as intensive probation, electronic monitoring, and shock incarceration may be widening the correctional net. In reviewing these developments, the authors examine ideologies and consequences, and observe that economic considerations will influence corrections policies in the 1990s.

Against Compulsory Treatment: No "Quick Fix" For Pregnant Substance Abusers*

Recently, pregnant women who use drugs have been subject to strict scrutiny and, in some instances, harsh treatment. Based upon the number of prosecutions of pregnant women that have occurred, it seems the government is prepared to punish the pregnant addict but unwilling to provide the prenatal care that is critical to the health of the mother and the infant. Although civil commitment under a compulsory treatment statute might appear to provide the kind of governmental intervention so desperately needed, it singles out women who are pregnant and subjects them to sanctions not similarly inflicted upon male addicts.

Book Reviews : Intervention Strategies for Chronic Offenders. Peter W. Greenwood, editor. Greenwood Press, 1986. 290 pp. cloth

The policies and goals of juvenile justice and corrections that have evolved over the last century have not been consistent or coherent. Initially, a more rehabilitative model was envisioned; today, a more punitive adult-like model predominates. Despite this shift and the demand for harder and stiffer penalties for juveniles, there does not appear to be any significant evidence that treating juveniles like adults deters them from future delinquent or criminal behavior. One of the recurring themes in the book of readings that Greenwood has authored and compiled is the paucity of research that has been done and the need for replication and expansion of historical and contemporary innovative treatment approaches. Historical developments in juvenile justice and juvenile corrections are presented in five of the book’s twelve chapters. For example, the chapter by Schlossman and Pisciotta, introduces the reader to the policies for treating delinquent offenders at the Whittier School in Los Angeles and the House of Refuge in New York in the 1920s. Demographic data and some case histories are included in the historical account of the two institutions.