Could the Ripper have been a Policeman?

[Robert]

I suppose a policeman could have committed the crimes off-duty. I just have a problem with a policeman, his hands full of intestines, exclaiming "What's all this, then?"

[martin wilson]

It's the great unwritten research sourcebook,the police and the ripper.
A collation of who they were,where they were and when they were would be invaluable,if only to save constantly going out of casebook forum to check inquests,maps,statements etc.
A modern take would be useful to me, I find plodding through the long winded Victorian writing style pretty tough.
All the best.

[sdreid]

I don't know that he did Monty - their standards are probably higher.

[Monty]

Yes Steven,

Christie was a Special during the war.

I did not know that Stan, things you learn. Did he apply for the regular Police?


Monty

[sdreid]

Christie, however neither he or Nilsen killed in the open.

Monty

If you think Albert DeSalvo was the Boston Strangler, I believe he was formerly a Sergeant in the Military Police.

[sdreid]

Yes, a policeman has been proposed to explain why the victims let their guard down in this and other serial killer cases.

[Steven Russell]

Christie, however neither he or Nilsen killed in the open.

Monty

Oh yeah! Wasn't Christie a "special", Monty?

[Monty]

Christie, however neither he or Nilsen killed in the open.

Monty

[Steven Russell]

He need not have been wearing his uniform but his knowledge of beats and police procedure etc. could have been advantageous.

Personally, I think it's unlikely. Policemen always come under suspicion sooner or later in serial killer cases for various reasons. I know from "private info" that certain coppers suspected one of their own (not a particular one) of the Yorkshire Ripper crimes prior to the arrest of the real culprit.

I'd be interested to learn if there have been many policemen found guilty of serial killings. I know Kenneth Bianchi was a wannabe cop, Dennis Rader was a sort of glorified dog catcher, and Dennis Nilsen actually was a Met. officer for eight (?) months. What others are known?

Best wishes,
Steve.

PS Welcome, TW.

[lynn cates]

coppers

Hello TW. Welcome to the boards.

I take it your question regards one killer and five women? If so, one would likely need:

1. A copper who not only changed beats frequently but went simultaneously from SY to CoL and back again.

2. A copper with an unusually large beat.

3. A copper who wore his clothes after regular beat hours.

The last could cause trouble if his number were recognised.

Happy hunting.

Cheers.
LC

[Simon Wood]

Hi, Remington Olympia Underwood,

In 1889 somebody—I forget who—wrote to Scotland Yard or the Home Office—I forget which—accusing Sergeant Thick [H Division] of being Jack the Ripper.

I believe the letter is in the JtR Companion.

Regards,

Simon

[TheTypeWriter]

If a Policeman was alone on a beat he would have had time and opportunity to commit the murders and would not have been suspected, I don't personally think it was a Policeman but I don't think it's entirely outside the bounds of possibilities either.

Does anyone know if anyone suspected this at the time, or if there is any books or websites that mention this theory? I have looked it up but haven't found much on it.

What is your own opinion on the possibility that a Policeman could have been responsible?