What is it about?
This study explores how adults who completed a structured fire education programme experienced it and whether it influenced their attitudes toward firesetting. Fifteen participants—men and women serving sentences in custody or the community—shared their views. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: a supportive and responsive approach, impactful learning materials, a new way of thinking, and coping with consequences. The findings suggest the programme promotes change through fact-based arguments and expert-led support.
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Why is it important?
Fire-related offences cause significant harm, yet interventions for adults in community probation or in pre-release contexts have received little attention. This research is the first to describe the structure and content of a specialist fire education programme for this group and to examine how change occurs. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for designing effective interventions that reduce recidivism and improve public safety.
Perspectives
This paper was an opportunity to look beyond outcomes and understand the “how” of change. Hearing participants describe shifts in their thinking and the value of expert support reinforced the importance of tailoring interventions to client experiences. For me, it highlighted that effective programmes are not just about technical design—they’re about engagement and credibility.
DR DOMINIC A PEARSON
University of Portsmouth
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Process evaluation of an educational programme for preventing recidivism by adult firesetters, Journal of Criminological Research Policy and Practice, October 2021, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/jcrpp-06-2021-0032.
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