Los Angeles herald., 1892-12-05
THE SCIENCE OF CRIME.
A REGULARITY AND THE RULES
GOVERNING CRIMINALS.
What the Record of Arrests Indicate.
Evil-DOers Divided Into Glasses.
The Value of Photographs
to Detectives.

Police statistics show that there is q
regularity in crime and a method in
criminals. The record of arrests inGi-
cate that there ia general average of
crime and criminals each year, based
on the increase of population. 1t shows
that certain per cent OF what is called
society goes astray into the crooked
path and preys upon those who follow
the narrow path. Reasoning from the
records of the past, experienced detec-
tives predict that q certain number of
crimes will be committed within linn
tied time, and each species Of crime by
certain class or "specialists
Criminals have their Especial lnes,"
a1 we'll as other people. Expert safe
Crackers" like "old man Jimmy Hope"
would not condescend to commit en-
ordinary burglary and take few hun
dred dollars from till. Such men as
he are at the top of their profession and
undertake only difficult and scientific
jobs, where there is great amount OF
money, and, of course, a greater danger.
The sleek and affable forger, as the
Brothertons, who pose among the swells
and dudes, scorns the bank burglar
mainly because ne has not the physical
bravery to attempt such daring deed.
The ordinary burglar who works with
Jimmy" drill and powder, considers
himself degree higher than the less
ekillful fellow who enters a house
through window and steals the pocket
book of the sleeping occupant, and in
turn he looks with contempt upon the
pick pocket, and this despicable thief
refuses to associate with the petty thief
who steals an overcoat or enters a back
yard and walks away with section of
garden hose.
As certain proportion of the popula-
tion of community must die within a
stated period, 80 it seems certain num-
ber of crimes must, or invariably are,
committed within that time also, and
each separate crime is committed in the
same waysand with unerring regularity.
After the criminal of this character is ar
rested he is photographed and his picture
is placed in what is known as the
'rogues' gallery" together with the
history of the criminal. Frequently
the detectives are supplied with extra
copies. Wherever these men 60 after leav-
ing the prison they are at once known.
For instance, one of "Jimmy" Hopes
bank-robber assistants visited Los An
geles few months ago, no doubt with
the intention OF locating safe to
crack. Detective Benson carries, as
souvenirs, the photographs of that gang.
The fellow saw that he was spotted and
cut short his visit to day and half.
Should forgery for large amount of
money be committed, and either one of
the Brotherton gang of forgers be in the
city at the time, Detective Bosqui would
at once bring in that fellow; or should
belated citizen be "held up" and re-
lieved of his watch, or some lady robbed
of her diamonds, Detective Auble would
look over his choice collection Of crooks
who make specially of these two dis.
tinct classes of crime, and if any Of
them were in the city they would be
brought in, and in nine cases in ten he
would have his man. There is science
in crime and a science in the detection
of criminals.