Advisor Information
Dr. Douglas Derrick
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
2-3-2018 1:00 PM
End Date
2-3-2018 1:15 PM
Abstract
This paper examines the decision-making processes of far-left extremists involved in arson and incendiary violence. The paper pays specific attention to the manner in which offenders draw upon prior knowledge and ‘expertise’ in planning and/or execution the attack. Drawing upon a sample of 195 self-reported communiques, the results suggest offenders rely on two types of criminal expertise to inform their decision to become involved in a violent act. First, perceptual expertise describes differential thinking patterns related to the crime setting. Second, procedural expertise involves the knowledge and skills aimed at enacting the offense itself. Overall, findings from this study suggest that ideologically-motivated arson and incendiary violence require considerable skill and planning. This challenges the prevailing notion among criminological theories that offenders are impulsive risk-takers with little skill.
Up in Flames: Criminal Expertise and Far-Left Extremism
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
This paper examines the decision-making processes of far-left extremists involved in arson and incendiary violence. The paper pays specific attention to the manner in which offenders draw upon prior knowledge and ‘expertise’ in planning and/or execution the attack. Drawing upon a sample of 195 self-reported communiques, the results suggest offenders rely on two types of criminal expertise to inform their decision to become involved in a violent act. First, perceptual expertise describes differential thinking patterns related to the crime setting. Second, procedural expertise involves the knowledge and skills aimed at enacting the offense itself. Overall, findings from this study suggest that ideologically-motivated arson and incendiary violence require considerable skill and planning. This challenges the prevailing notion among criminological theories that offenders are impulsive risk-takers with little skill.