Whitechapel Viginance Committee Flashcards
What was the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee?
A civilian policing organization formed to investigate the Ripper killings
Who founded the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee?
George Lusk, a builder
Why was the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee established?
Due to frustration with the police’s failure to catch the killer
Who was the Home Secretary that refused to approve a reward for information on the Ripper?
Henry Matthews
What was Henry Matthews’ reason for refusing the reward?
He believed it would encourage ‘time-wasters’ with false leads
What actions did the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee take?
- Hired two private detectives
- Interviewed witnesses
- Distributed posters offering a reward
- Conducted nightly patrols in the East End
When did the nightly patrols conducted by the committee take place?
Between midnight and 4/5 am
Who conducted the nightly patrols for the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee?
Hand-picked unemployed men for a small wage
What type of letters did the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee receive?
Hoax letters from people claiming to be the killer
What was one motive behind the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee’s actions?
To embarrass the police ahead of the London County Council elections
True or False: The Whitechapel Vigilance Committee aimed to support the police in their investigation.
False
Fill in the blank: The Whitechapel Vigilance Committee was formed on _______.
10th September 1888
