The historic environment - 1 Whitechapel, c1870–c1900: crime, policing and…

The idea

Investigative policing in Whitechapel saw developments in techniques of detective investigation, including sketches, photographs, and interviews. However, investigations were hampered by problems caused by the need for cooperation between the Metropolitan Police, the City of London Police, and Scotland Yard. This was starkly evident when dealing with the crimes of Jack the Ripper. The police struggled with these serial crimes, facing added problems caused by the media reporting of the 'Ripper' murders, which generated hoax letters and incited panic. Frustrated by the lack of progress, locals formed the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee, which offered rewards and conducted independent patrols, often hindering the official investigation.

What earns the marks

• Identify developments in techniques of detective investigation, such as the use of sketches, photographs, and interviews.
• Explain the problems caused by the need for cooperation between the Metropolitan Police, City of London Police, and Scotland Yard.
• Describe the challenges the police faced in dealing with the crimes of Jack the Ripper, including the lack of forensic technology.
• Analyse the added problems caused by the media reporting of the 'Ripper' murders, such as hoax letters obstructing the investigation.
• Evaluate the role of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee and how its independent actions conflicted with official police work.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming modern forensic techniques like fingerprinting or DNA were used.

  Put it right: Emphasise that detectives relied on rudimentary methods like sketches, early photography, and interviews, as fingerprinting was not yet in use.

• Treating the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police as the same force.

  Put it right: Distinguish between the two forces and explain how their separate jurisdictions caused communication problems.

• Viewing the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee as a helpful extension of the police.

  Put it right: Explain that while they intended to help, their independent patrols and reward offers often disrupted police efforts and misdirected investigations, rather than damaging crime scenes.

Exam tips

• Use the Jack the Ripper investigation as a case study to illustrate both the methods used by detectives and the limitations of policing at the time.
• Discuss the impact of the press on police work, specifically how publishing details led to hoax letters that wasted valuable police time.