Jack The Ripper – source related study Essay Example

evidence regarding the murder of Elizabeth Stride. Source B suggests that the murderer had extensive knowledge of the human body, potentially even being a doctor. However, source C contradicts this claim by stating that there was only one incision on the left side of the neck, with no other wounds or mutilations present. This raises the possibility that these two murders may not be connected and were not carried out by the same person.
Furthermore, both source A and source C indicate that there was no clear motive for the murder. Source A mentions that the victim belonged to the lowest social class, while source C asserts that money did not play a role in this crime. Thus, it can be inferred that this murder was not motivated by robbery or personal gain but rather represented a deliberate act of calculated violence.
In conclusion, although source B implies an in-depth understanding of anatomy by the perpetrator, source C highlights how anyone could have committed this murder due to its simplicity.

According to source a, committing such a murder does not require skill. Rather, it requires a disturbed mentality. Considering all the information provided, it can be concluded that source c partially supports the evidence from sources A and B, but also differs in some aspects.

Sources D and E are highly valuable in understanding how the ripper managed to elude capture. Both texts contain multiple points that address this issue. Background information suggests that the 'ripper' possessed the ability to avoid authorities and blend in with the people of Whitechapel. Source D reveals that the reason behind the ripper's successful evasion was his clever disguise. He intentionally wore

clothing that would hinder identification, such as a 'dark coat' and a 'deerstalker hat.' These choices ensured that he did not attract too much attention, as these garments were commonly worn during that time.

Additionally, in source D, I find a significant argument in favor of the ripper. The statement "He looked like a foreigner" was repeatedly mentioned during the ripper case. It was evident that in Whitechapel and across London, there existed a definite bias against foreigners. Individuals and newspapers were keen to hold them responsible for any crime imaginable. This insight enables me to comprehend why the ripper managed to evade capture. The large population in Whitechapel meant that the police's investigation on the murders would naturally focus on foreigners.

The ripper would find this information useful as it suggests that being a foreigner would provide a clear path for him to carry out his actions. Another point from source D indicates that the ripper appeared to be "shabby genteel." Given that the residents of Whitechapel were mostly poor, this statement would implicate nearly everyone in the area rather than narrowing down the suspects. Source E states that the police force should have been strengthened at the time of the murders, indicating that they were inadequate. Therefore, if the ripper's crimes were committed today, he would likely be caught.

In my belief, the reason why the ripper was never captured is due to a lack of knowledge, advancements in technology, insufficient police numbers, and lack of discipline. The paragraph beginning with 'The main thoroughfares...' explains a significant factor contributing to the ripper's evasion. Whitechapel had a sinister and obscure atmosphere characterized by numerous alleyways where prostitutes

and undesirables loitered. This kind of environment allowed the ripper to go unnoticed and swiftly hide or escape after committing the crimes. 4.

Upon analyzing sources F and G and drawing upon my own knowledge, I have identified several strategies employed by the police in their pursuit of Jack the Ripper. Source F consists of a direct police notice that was widely circulated within the Whitchapel area, specifically addressing the murders of Elizabeth and Kate Eddowes. However, it lacks sufficient details regarding the crimes and the perpetrator. The absence of a ripper description poses challenges for individuals to recall any pertinent information. While some argue for the effectiveness of this policing approach, personally, I find it highly ineffective. It is crucial to acknowledge that a significant portion of Whitechapel's population was illiterate, including many non-English speakers among them. Consequently, these individuals would be unable to read or comprehend the notice. Furthermore, we must consider the possibility that Jack the Ripper may not have hailed from Whitechapel, thus rendering this apprehension method inadequate.

The people who were on the lookout for suspicious individuals were likely focused on the wrong ones. When these "suspicious" individuals' names were reported to the police, it only added to their already overwhelming workload. It is widely recognized that the Whitechapel police force lacked public respect and was somewhat despised.

This police notice is appealing for assistance from the public, despite potential reluctance to cooperate with law enforcement, even though it would ultimately be advantageous for them. The police sought to notify the public about the killer, believing that apprehending him would benefit everyone. The media played a significant part in disseminating information about the

Ripper murders by effectively sharing details on probable locations of the suspect and his preferred crime scenes. Additionally, the police employed a somewhat amusing approach in their attempts to capture the Ripper, which entertained numerous individuals.

The ripper specifically targeted prostitutes as his victims, necessitating the presence of police in areas known for prostitution to apprehend him. However, few or no women served as police officers at that time. Consequently, male officers had to disguise themselves as prostitutes. Despite the police's optimism, this approach ultimately proved ineffective.

Source G contains a letter from the home secretary declaring that no reward would be given for information leading to the capture of the ripper. Although some may struggle to believe the absence of an incentive, I personally support the decision made by the home secretary.

Many residents of Whitechapel were impoverished, so when news of a reward spread, there were numerous false leads and time-wasting individuals hoping to get the money. This made it even more difficult for the already inadequate police force to sift through the various claims. However, there are drawbacks to not offering a reward, as stated in both sources F and G. Source F states that the Ripper is believed to be in the immediate neighborhood. If people had information about the Ripper's identity, they may be afraid to come forward, fearing that the suspect, who is in close proximity, might target them as his next victim. Without a monetary incentive, these individuals with crucial information may deem it not worthwhile to risk their lives by exposing the suspect.

The police's decision to offer a monetary reward was motivated by their desire to decrease their workload and

apprehend the ripper. The incentive of a reward would entice individuals to come forward with information, hoping to receive the financial benefit. Furthermore, the police aimed to raise awareness among Whitechapel residents regarding the killer. Based on available sources and my own understanding, I partially agree that the police can be held accountable for failing to capture Jack the Ripper.

Despite the police's efforts to catch him, there were various factors that aided the Ripper in evading capture. The authorities faced constraints in terms of resources during the time of the killings, preventing them from increasing officer numbers or seeking reinforcements. Consequently, their manpower and resources were spread thin, hindering their ability to effectively apprehend the Ripper. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the adequacy of training provided to the officers involved in the Ripper case. Numerous officers were deemed unsuitable or ill-prepared for this specific assignment.

The police had never encountered such a case and lacked proper training to handle the inquiry, causing certain aspects of the ripper case to be mishandled. This resulted in a significant challenge for the police force which may explain why the ripper was not apprehended. The community in Whitechapel showed a lack of support for their police force, expressing their dissatisfaction with the service provided. Given this, it is understandable that many individuals chose not to assist the police, potentially withholding crucial information. Additionally, the police can be held accountable for their mistakes, exemplified by the Catherine Eddowes case.

The police's decision to erase a conversation written in the ripper's handwriting above the deceased apron, which could have potentially led to an arrest, cannot be justified. This action is just one of

many mistakes that the police were responsible for. Overall, I believe that the police mishandled the situation by not properly utilizing available evidence and witness statements. Additionally, some of their methods were questionable, such as distributing a police notice to the entire Whitechapel community. In my opinion, this approach is insufficient for effective policing and it's no surprise that the ripper was never caught. It is widely known that the police held a negative view of prostitutes.

Considering their prevalence in Whitechapel and their reputation as the lowest of the low, it is possible that the police would have handled the case differently. Personally, I believe that if the ripper had been targeting the wealthy, the police would have approached the investigation with greater diligence and determination. Additionally, I have doubts about the reliability and adequacy of the individuals employed by the police, particularly the doctors. In some instances of the ripper case, at least one doctor provided wildly inaccurate estimates for time of death.

The credibility of the many doctors employed for these decisions is brought into question, which also raises doubts about all their other decisions. However, I believe it would be more reliable to seek input from a single individual in this specific situation. Several factors contribute to my belief that the police bear some responsibility for the unsolved ripper murders. Additionally, there are other reasons for the killer's evasion. One such reason pertains to the lack of forensic evidence during the time of the murders, making it impossible to gather substantial clues, particularly if the perpetrator was intelligent, which he was. Without a doubt, if these murders occurred in present times, I am

confident that the ripper would have been apprehended. Another contributing factor to the ripper's elusiveness was the media's extensive coverage of the abhorrent killings.

The media unnecessarily heightened fear among the already frightened public in Whitechapel, distorting the limited evidence available. One example of this was their manipulation of witness descriptions, which led to the scapegoating of Jews. This manipulation not only influenced the public but also apparently affected the police. Additionally, the public's reluctance to come forward with evidence may have contributed to the Ripper evading capture. This hesitancy could be attributed to the belief propagated by the police that the Ripper was from the Whitechapel area.

The police faced difficulties in making decisions due to the numerous hoax letters received from the public. These letters raised doubts about whether the actual ripper was sending them and whether they should be taken seriously. Consequently, the police may have wasted time on unnecessary investigations. The lack of progress in capturing the ripper can also be attributed to the nature of Whitechapel itself. The area was populated with undesirable individuals and prostitutes, making them easy targets for the ripper. With numerous alleyways and secluded spots, the ripper had ample opportunity to carry out his crimes without being detected.

The ripper himself deserves credit for evading capture as he demonstrated intelligence and caution in his killings. There is a lack of substantial evidence against him that would lead to his apprehension. In general, the assertion that "the police were to blame for not capturing Jack the ripper" is partially valid. The police undeniably played a significant role in enabling the ripper to elude capture, but it is evident

that numerous other factors were also influential.