How Much Credit to Police?

[FrankO]

The only clues to aid identification were those like what he was able to do, how he did it, and possibly the times he chose to operate .

Very true, Doc, although, of course, they were still vague enough to lead the police to the right door. Or maybe they did arrive at the right door without them knowing that in the end.

[Monty]

This ia true although I'd say there opinions are very flawed.

In what way John?

[Monty]

Hi RD,

I agree that the West Yorkshire police made big mistakes, but that's not necessarily true for the police investigating the JtR case.

Furthermore, you seem to forget that, back in 1888, the police needed to catch such a killer in the act. If they didn't, their best chance of catching him would be if he would come forward & confess or if they got lucky enough with one or preferably more witness descriptions. Otherwise, they had nothing to help them. No fingerprinting, they couldn't even say if blood was human or not.

As to Tani's questions in the OP, I put no particular stock in opinions of individual police officers, as they were 'just' opinions without having anybody behind bars or, as far as we know, having enough evidence to point the finger at any individual.

Cheers,
Frank

There is a lot of ignorance on 1888 police procedure, Comparing it to 1970s or today is akin to comparing Formula 1 racing from 1950s to 2000.

Its a lazy statement
.

[FrankO]

There is a lot of ignorance on 1888 police procedure, Comparing it to 1970s or today is akin to comparing Formula 1 racing from 1950s to 2000.

Its a lazy statement
.

Totally agree, Neil.

[John Wheat]

In what way John?

They are riddled with personal biases and the flawed thinking of the time.

[c.d.]

They are riddled with personal biases and the flawed thinking of the time.

What was their flawed thinking?

c.d.

[John Wheat]

What was their flawed thinking?

c.d.

Preconceived ideas of who the Ripper was. A mad foreigner etc.

[spyglass]

I have always believed that the Police threw out smoke screens and red herrings, especially years later after the events in memoirs and interviews .
when you think on how many senior detectives were on the case, and yet hardly any if all of them name the same suspect.
Abberline supposedly naming Chapman at his poisoning trial being a fine example if true.

Regards.