Investigations 101

Lessons for Police Officers from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – The Guidance from The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes

Gilles Renaud | Ontario Court of Justice (Retired)

Introduction

This is the latest article meant to provide guidance to investigators based on the writings of Sir Arthur on the detective work of the fabled Sherlock Holmes.[1]  The Case Book is a collection of short stories involving Holmes that completes the last of Conan Doyle’s five short story collections. To be precise, some 44 adventures appeared in the earlier works, entitled “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes and the Return of Sherlock Holmes with only the second last, “The Last Bow”, not also referencing the great detective’s name. 

My objective is to help the police to achieve success in their investigations, which may include a finding that no crime took place or that the wrong person has been the subject of the inquiries. In this context, allow me to quote from “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier” wherein Holmes admits that if you are to write anything to provide information to others, “that the matter must be presented in such a way as may interest the reader.  I humbly hope that today as in my prior contributions, valuable lessons are being offered that will both interest and instruct readers whose function it is to serve and protect the community.  New readers must understand that it is my habit to group within thematic discussions relevant quotes and information about demeanour evidence, human nature, interviewing skills, judgment and professionalism in investigations.

In sum, I suggest that modern-day investigators can gain valuable insights from this great investigator last cases and, as well, enjoy several good yarns. 

Discussion

Demeanour evidence

-       Introduction

As discussed in my prior contributions, demeanour evidence is a form of non-verbal testimony or communication that some believe is worthy of great weight as it may show the true thoughts of a witness, and a means of contradicting what they are stating. As set out by Sir Arthur in “The Empty House”, an earlier short story in a prior book: “In some manner he had learned of my own sad bereavement, and his sympathy was shown in his manner rather than in his words…” My main criticism of this form of evidence results from the far too broad credit that many assign to this type of evidence.  On occasion, it is “all things to all people” and can be interpreted to support any theory.  For example, in “The Empty House”, we read:

It was a tremendously virile and yet sinister face which was turned towards us. With the brow of a philosopher above and the jaw of a sensualist below, the man must have started with great capacities for good or for evil. But one could not look upon his cruel blue eyes, with their drooping, cynical lids, or upon the fierce, aggressive nose and the threatening, deep-lined brow, without reading Nature’s plainest danger-signals.

In the final analysis, however, demeanour forms part of the fact finding process at trial and investigators must assess the positive and negative elements of this non-verbal form of testimony. 

         Elements of demeanour

-       Air

A first and rather dramatic example is found in “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier”: “’Quite so.  Exactly,' said he, with a rather guilty air…” What is a guilty air and assuming it is an objective opinion, it is evidence of guilt of a crime, of a moral fault such as snooping in the silver drawer or medicine cabinet, or a silly embarrassing thing such as having been caught piking one’s nose? Guilt must be associated to a crime and solely to that unlawful act to be probative.

-       Austere

The quote that follows, found in “The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place” illustrates ably how “extreme” might be the elements of demeanour that fiction writers have penned: “The door had opened and the page had shown in a tall, clean-shaven man with the firm, austere expression which is only seen upon those who have to control horses or boys.” I need suggest you not include such silly opinions in any report you draw.

= Bearing

Consider this example: “When I met my friend in his room early next morning, I was conscious from his bearing that all was well, but none the less a most unpleasant surprise was awaiting us…” Refer to “The Adventure of the Three Gables.” Noteworthy as well is this quote, from “The Adventure of the Creeping Man”: "… a moment later the new client presented himself.  He was a tall, handsome youth about thirty, well dressed and elegant, but with something in his bearing which suggested the shyness of the student rather than the self-possession of the man of the world …”

-       Blinking

“The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone” contains this useful illustration: “An instant later the amazed [person] was standing, blinking and stammering with the great yellow stone on his shaking palm.”

-       Blush

“The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane” offers us this example: “… She blushed and seemed confused.”

-       Expression

An excellent illustration is found in “The Adventure of the Three Garridebs”: “Large round spectacles and a small projecting goat's beard combined with his stooping attitude to give him an expression of peering curiosity.  The general effect, however, was amiable, though eccentric.” Noteworthy as well is the following example, drawn from “The Adventure of the Retired Colourman”: “I was struck by the snaky locks of grizzled hair which curled from under his old straw hat, and his face with its fierce, eager expression and the deeply-lined features."

-       Eyebrows”

Sir Arthur penned what follows in “The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone”: “The Count scowled, with heavy, threatening eyebrows…”

-       Eye to eye” confrontation

Today, many believe that it is possible for an acute observer to be able to read the inner thoughts of another within the context of an “eye to eye” confrontation.  Possibly, the reach and popularity of such elements of demeanour evidence can be traced to the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, such as that of the “Illustrious Client” and phrases such as: "Oh, to be sure, I had not told you of my plans!  Well, Watson, I love to come to close grips with my man.  I like to meet him eye to eye and read for myself the stuff that he is made of…”

         “Eyes”

“The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” includes this quote: “… Colonel Sir James Damery was announced … many will remember that large, bluff, honest personality, that broad, clean-shaven face, above all, that pleasant, mellow voice.  Frankness shone from his grey Irish eyes … [Emphasis added] There is no objective or scientific method or test of evaluating a person’s eyes as being indicative of frankness.  

Moving forward, “The Adventure of the Three Gables” includes this useful example: “The door had flown open and a huge man had burst into the room.  … His broad face and flattened nose were thrust forward, as his sullen dark eyes, with a smouldering gleam of malice in them, turned from one of us to the other.” [Emphasis added] The same short story includes this interesting example: “… She rose from a settee as we entered: tall, queenly, a perfect figure, a lovely mask-like face, with two wonderful Spanish eyes which looked murder at us both.” Refer to “The Adventure of the Three Gables.” Note as well “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire”: “Ferguson looked at me with a question in his eyes.”

-       “Face”

A useful example follows: “Our visitor was greatly disturbed.  His large, sensitive face was darkened with emotion and disappointment.” See “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client.” One must be objective in reaching conclusions and I question whether this opinion would have been reached if Holmes had not heard what his caller had to say, added to the fact that the person in question had sought out a meeting with he as a detective, which denotes troubles of some kind..  One means of testing the validity of this belief is to show a videotape of the interview, a feat not possible at that time, and played without sound.  Would most of the objective judges who were tasked with assessing the demeanour of the witness have concluded that he was disappointed, assuming that the emotion he displayed, if any, was visible on the recording?

Further examples follow: “… He hesitated before leaving the room, and when I looked ‘round he was standing facing me with a wistful look upon his wrinkled face.” See “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier”. “… When our host returned it was clear from his downcast face that he had made no progress…” See “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire” which also provides us with this example: "’Do you like her, Jack?’ Holmes turned suddenly upon the boy.  His expressive mobile face shadowed over, and he shook his head.” “The Adventure of the Creeping Man”: "… The pleasant, open face of our visitor clouded over, shadowed by some grim remembrance.” For my part, such speculation has no place in your work as detectives.

“The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane” offers us this example: “… Murdoch's face flushed with anger…” A far more detailed illustration is found in “The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place”: “The honest trainer showed very clearly upon his face that he was convinced that yet another lunatic had come into his harassed life.”

-       Features and other elements of demeanour are not frozen in time

Consider the example found near the end of “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier”: “I was finishing this little analysis of the case when the door was opened and the austere figure of the great dermatologist was ushered in.  But for once his sphinx-like features had relaxed and there was a warm humanity in his eyes …” This fleeting nature renders the reception and analysis of such elements far more difficult.  Indeed, if a jury is sitting, only half the panel might be able to see any such element. 

Noteworthy as well is this passage, from “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire”: "’No; she struck him savagely.  It is the more terrible as he is a poor little inoffensive invalid.’  Ferguson's gaunt features softened as he spoke of his boy…” Someone might only notice the softening, and not the prior harder features, so to speak.

-       Feigning

The short story “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” includes a remarkable illustration of a person’s ability to act to offer the world a suitable and reassuring demeanour. Thus: “’Does it really matter?’ I asked, with as careless an air as I could muster…”  Refer as well to “Thor Bridge”: "Mr. Gibson is a very strong, self-contained man.  I do not think that he would ever show his emotions on the surface.  But I, who knew him so well, could see that he was deeply concerned." Thus, a stranger is not as well situated as a friend or family member and investigators are always strangers to the crime.

-       Fidgeting

Consider this example from “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client”: “Our visitor fidgeted in his chair.” Do we take it that the nervousness demonstrated emerges from the telling of a lie, or the hope to hide a crime, or an innocent reason such as fearing to be in a courtroom, a stressful place for most laypersons?

-       Forehead

“… The veins stood out on the Count's forehead.  His dark, hairy hands were clenched in a convulsion of restrained emotion.  He tried to speak, but the words would not shape themselves…” See “The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone”.

-       Gesture

A good illustration is seen in “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier”: “He sat in deep thought, his gaunt hand tugging at his straggling beard. Then he made a gesture of resignation…”  See, as well, the phrase: “Ferguson gave a gesture of relief…” from “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire”.

-       Hands

“… The veins stood out on the Count's forehead.  His dark, hairy hands were clenched in a convulsion of restrained emotion.  He tried to speak, but the words would not shape themselves…” See The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone”

-       “Kitchen sink” and elements of demeanour

Based on the foregoing, it is evident that one of the better ways of describing the shortcomings of demeanour evidence on an objective basis is merely to list them. In other words, some (or many) are of the view that “this, that and the other thing” offer non-verbal support for the opinion that the witness is being untruthful, or is a criminal, think of the fact that others, such as your superiors, prosecutors, defence lawyers, judges, and juries (if one is involved) will list them and say of each: “So what?” In this vein, note the many odd elements listed in the citation that follows:

"There was something shocking about the man, Mr. Holmes.  It wasn't merely that ghastly face glimmering as white as cheese in the darkness. It was more subtle than that--something slinking, something furtive, something guilty--something very unlike the frank, manly lad that I had known.  It left a feeling of horror in my mind. [“The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier.”]

It is, in sum, a circular type of reasoning: a person who looks guilty must be slinking about and thus must act in a furtive fashion; if you reverse the proposition, if you slink and act furtive, you are guilty of something!

-       Look

A first example reaches us from “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier”: "The old fellow looked diabolical, and I really thought he was about to attack me …” Again, the fear is that to draw such an opinion results from circular reasoning: since he seemed ready to attack me, he was guilty of a diabolical act.  Or, if you wish, since he looked devilish, he must be guilty of something.

-       Mouth

I must emphasize this rare example of a reference to a “murderer’s mouth”.  As we read in “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client”: “… If ever I saw a murderer's mouth it was there—a cruel, hard gash in the face, compressed, inexorable, and terrible.  He was ill-advised to train his moustache away from it, for it was Nature's danger-signal, set as a warning to his victims …” Note as well what we encounter in “The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone”: “The famous game-shot, sportsman, and man-about-town was a big, swarthy fellow, with a formidable dark moustache, shading a cruel, thin-lipped mouth …”

-       Mustache

The short story “The Illustrious Client” records that the villain “… has little waxed tips of hair under his nose … These quivered with amusement as he listened …”

-       Scars

What follows is a rare example of a scar being offered as an element of demeanour, within a context of many more typical ones. Thus:

… if I were a sculptor and desired to idealize the successful man of affairs, iron of nerve and leathery of conscience, I should choose Mr. Neil Gibson as my model.  His tall, gaunt craggy figure had a suggestion of hunger and rapacity.  An Abraham Lincoln keyed to base uses instead of high ones would give some idea of the man.  His face might have been chiselled in granite, hard-set, craggy, remorseless, with deep lines upon it, the scars of many a crisis.  Cold grey eyes, looking shrewdly out from under bristling brows, surveyed us each in turn.  He bowed in perfunctory fashion as Holmes mentioned my name, and then with a masterful air of possession he drew a chair up to my companion … [Emphasis added]

Refer to “Thor Bridge”.

-       “Seeming” to present an element of demeanour

Quite often, the writers of fiction select a type of qualifier that blunts the value, assuming there is any, of the suggested demeanour evidence. Consider this example, taken from “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier”: “My client seemed annoyed…”

-       Snarl

“… Listen to this, Watson.  Vampirism in Hungary.  And again, Vampires in Transylvania."  He turned over the pages with eagerness, but after a short intent perusal he threw down the great book with a snarl of disappointment.” Refer to “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire”.

-       Sneer

“Thor Bridge” includes this passage: "’Very generous, I am sure,’ said Holmes, with a sneer.” This example and many others leads me to remind detectives of this reality: if you quote from your hand-written notes, verbatim in quality, of the interview, the passage is supportive; if you could see the speaker, you might have concluded otherwise.

         “Twitching”

“The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone” contains a comment that could be reviewed under this rubric or that of the person’s face. Indeed, “Watson's honest face was twitching with anxiety…”

-       Voice

“Thor Bridge” is instructive in terms of this unusual voice feature:

“… He was a tall, thin, cadaverous man, with a secretive and mysterious manner, which conveyed the idea that he knew or suspected a very great deal more than he dared say.  He had a trick, too, of suddenly sinking his voice to a whisper as if he had come upon something of vital importance, though the information was usually commonplace enough.  Behind these tricks of manner he soon showed himself to be a decent, honest fellow who was not too proud to admit that he was out of his depth and would welcome any help. [Emphasis added]

For myself, I had a law school professor who would curse or swear when he addressed a vital point in the case law, so there might be more to this than first meets the eye, to track demeanour expressions. 

Human nature

-       Active mind

Sherlock Holmes opined in “Thor Bridge”: “… but one drawback of an active mind is that one can always conceive alternative explanations which would make our scent a false one…” In other words, there is a concern that detectives get bogged down in their analysis as they easily counter, in their mind, any move or step they analyzed that a criminal would have undertaken.  It is paralysis by analysis. 

-       Cleverness and mental illness

I offer this quote to assist detectives who encounter this type of opinion in the statement offered by the witnesses they interview, to better assess whether this is true or poor examples of human nature. Thus: “… As we passed the window, I caught a glimpse of the Inspector's smile and shake of the head.  ‘These clever fellows have always a touch of madness.’" Refer to “The Adventure of the Three Gables.”

-       Dogs and dog owners

“The Adventure of the Creeping Man” suggests this trait of human nature, that detectives may need to consider in analyzing the merits of witness statements.  Thus: "My line of thoughts about dogs is analogous.  A dog reflects the family life.  Whoever saw a frisky dog in a gloomy family, or a sad dog in a happy one?  Snarling people have snarling dogs, dangerous people have dangerous ones.  And their passing moods may reflect the passing moods of others."

-       Jealousy

This strong emotion may lead to a crime, and it may derail an investigation when the person interviewed refuses to provide accurate information by reason of that strong emotion.  As made plain in this first of two quotes from “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire”, together with at least two tropes:

Well, that is not unknown among stepmothers.  A posthumous jealousy, we will say.  Is the lady jealous by nature? Yes, she is very jealous--jealous with all the strength of her fiery tropical love."

A second quote follows: “… I saw such jealousy, such cruel hatred, as I have seldom seen in a human face." In addition, I refer interested readers to the rubric “Sexism distorts judgment”, under “Judgment”, in respect to “Thor Bridge”. Finally, note is made of “The Adventure of the Retired Colourman”: “Like all misers, he was a jealous man, and his jealousy became a frantic mania…” This is far too general a conclusion to be sustained.

-       Point blank questions give way to lies or deceit?

I leave it to the interested reader to attempt to make sense of the excerpt that follows but I offer it to stimulate debate:

… but you will admit, Mr. Holmes, that most men would shy off a bit when they are asked point-blank what their relations with a woman may be--if there is really some serious feeling in the case.  I guess most men have a little private reserve of their own in some corner of their souls where they don't welcome intruders.  And you burst suddenly into it.  But the object excuses you, since it was to try and save her.  Well, the stakes are down and the reserve open and you can explore where you will.  What is it you want? [“Thor Bridge” Emphasis added]

This may be relevant to the application of your interviewing skills, especially timing and sequence of questions. 

-       Slow but steady police work

“The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane” propagates this now debunked theory of police work, but it is interesting to see the prejudicial view of policing:

When I at last returned to the body I found that a little group of wandering folk had gathered round it.  Stackhurst was, of course, still there, and Ian Murdoch had just arrived with Anderson, the village constable, a big, ginger-moustached man of the slow, solid Sussex breed--a breed which covers much good sense under a heavy, silent exterior…

-       Weakness of human nature

“… One forms provisional theories and waits for time or fuller knowledge to explode them.  A bad habit, Mr. Ferguson; but human nature is weak.” The quote is found in “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire”.

-       Wise after the event

As made plain in “Thor Bridge”: “… The papers may ask why the mere was not dragged in the first instance, but it is easy to be wise after the event …”

Interviewing skills

-       Atmosphere of oppression

It is not necessary for me to discuss the case law that supports my opinion but suffice it to state that an atmosphere of oppression typically leads to the rejection of a statement by a detainee or accused if obtained against a background “atmosphere of oppression” or of coercion.  The excerpt that follows from “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier” well describes a situation that is quite problematic for the prosecution: "He could not face my eyes.  He was like a man hypnotized.  The answer was dragged from his lips.  It was a terrible and unexpected one…” Information that is dragged from one who seems dazed or hypnotized is seldom accepted or judged reliable. 

-       Bluffing”

There are occasions in which it can be said that an investigation was advanced by means of a well played bluff. Consider this example, from “The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone”: “’You can't bluff me, Count Sylvius.’  Holmes's eyes, as he gazed at him, contracted and lightened until they were like two menacing points of steel.  ‘You are absolute plate-glass.  I see to the very back of your mind.’"

-       Editing a statement is not an acceptable skill

Investigators may not edit or seek to influence the contents of a statement being offered by a potential witness or the victim(s).  In fact, you ought not to seek to discourage a statement maker from stating something quite derogatory about the suspect or accused.  In this context, I note this example:

I did not see Holmes again until the following evening, when we dined once more at our Strand restaurant.  He shrugged his shoulders when I asked him what luck he had had in his interview.  Then he told the story, which I would repeat in this way.  His hard, dry statement needs some little editing to soften it into the terms of real life. [Emphasis added]

-       “Forced knowledge”

It may be a quite rare instance when it arises, but investigators may have to “sound out fully” suspects and other apparently pro-defence witnesses to see if they are “possessed of forced knowledge”. This expression is found in “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” and suggests that a witness, if well probed by means of well thought out questions, will soon ne unable to recall a false narrative that was learned by rote.  Consider this relevant passage:

It is said that the barrister who crams up a case with such care that he can examine an expert witness upon the Monday has forgotten all his forced knowledge before the Saturday.  …

-       Frontal attack versus playing possum

Consider the tactical advantages contained in the quote that follows, from “The Adventure of the Three Garridebs”: "I was wondering, Watson, what on earth could be the object of this man in telling us such a rigmarole of lies.  I nearly asked him so—for there are times when a brutal frontal attack is the best policy--but I judged it better to let him think he had fooled us…” [Emphasis added] Indeed, there are times when it is wise to set out for a detainee or accused, who refused to provide any information, the evidence you have gathered. 

-       Observing the person you are interviewing is a “plus”

Nothing is lost save a bit of time and much may be gained as to the character and personality of the potential witness if time is devoted to observation, both before and during the interview, and this is made more successful if a “silent” colleague views the proceedings and takes immediate notes as to their thoughts on the progress you are making.  In this context, note what follows:

It is my habit to sit with my back to the window and to place my visitors in the opposite chair, where the light falls full upon them. Mr. James M. Dodd seemed somewhat at a loss how to begin the interview. I did not attempt to help him, for his silence gave me more time for observation.  I have found it wise to impress clients with a sense of power, and so I gave him some of my conclusions…

Refer to “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier”.

-       Patience, listen to statement maker with

“The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” includes this quote: “'I have listened to you with patience…” That is how it should be and there must be no attempt to end a statement prematurely.  It is not for the investigator to decide that a witness is veering off track as that person may be the first to provide a true and reliable account, thus suggesting that no one else has correctly identified where the track is to be found.   

-       Point blank questions give way to lies or deceit?

Review the excerpt from “Thor Bridge” under this sub-rubric in “Human Nature” 

-       Putting potential witnesses at their ease

In most human endeavours, it is wise to place persons in an atmosphere of ease and comfort, the better to gain their confidence and to allow them to marshal their thoughts and thus communicate to the authorities carefully considered information by means of their statements. In this vein, “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” includes a relevant remark: “Both Holmes and I had a weakness for the Turkish Bath.  It was over a smoke in the pleasant lassitude of the drying-room that I have found him less reticent and more human than anywhere else…” It is not suggested that the police station build such a facility or allow smoking, far from it; it is suggested, however, that some effort go into planning for the best location in which to interview persons, having regard to the need for safety, privacy and recording requirements.  Some persons might be at ease at a Bingo Hall between games in a back room and others at the Public Library and still others at the community hockey rink, if this location ensures all the needs of the witness, notably comfort, and as well the needs of the investigator are satisfied. In most cases, your office at the Police Station will be selected, but a flexible approach is to be adopted.

-       “Turn over rocks, and then some more”

Successful investigators, as in every walk of life, are those who are not afraid of hard work and who exercise method in their efforts to uncover the truth.  In this context, note what follows: “… I wasn't satisfied, and I determined that I would get to the root of the matter…” See “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier”.

Judgment

-       Bias of a witness, of a victim, due to love, etc.

The police often face a difficult judgment call in trying to analyze whether a person thought to be a victim was, in fact, wronged based on their, the suggested victim, subjective perspective of what took place.  Consider this excerpt from “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client”:

"Does she know about the Austrian episode?"

"The cunning devil has told her every unsavoury public scandal of his past life, but always in such a way as to make himself out to be an innocent martyr.  She absolutely accepts his version and will listen to no other."

Two issues arise. Firstly the danger that the police receiving the complaint are being manipulated to arrest or investigate a legally innocent person, whatever his morals, to further the goals of a parent, romantic rival, or other such motivated individual and, secondly, that in trying to obtain a full account, you as investigator disclose information that ought not to be known by the witness to prevent potential trial contamination. 

-       Grave issues and trivial things

The relative importance of these two factors in detective work may be judged to a certain degree by means of the quote that follows, found in “The Adventure of the Creeping Man”: "You never learn that the gravest issues may depend upon the smallest things.  But is it not on the face of it strange that a staid, elderly philosopher--you've heard of Presbury, of course, the famous … physiologist?--that such a man, whose friend has been his devoted wolf-hound, should now have been twice attacked by his own dog?  What do you make of it? … “

-       Confidential informants and other sources of intelligence

“The Illustrious Client” speaks volumes about the advantage for law enforcement officials of enlisting former and present-day criminals:

I have not had occasion to mention Shinwell Johnson in these memoirs …  During the first years of the century he became a valuable assistant.  Johnson, I grieve to say, made his name first as a very dangerous villain and served two terms at Parkhurst [Prison].  Finally, he repented and allied himself to Holmes, acting as his agent in the huge criminal underworld of London, and obtaining information which often proved to be of vital importance.  Had Johnson been a "nark" of the police he would soon have been exposed, but as he dealt with cases which never came directly into the courts, his activities were never realized by his companions.  With the glamour of his two convictions upon him, he had the entrée of every night-club, doss-house, and gambling-den in the town, and his quick observation and active brain made him an ideal agent for gaining information.  It was to him that Sherlock Holmes now proposed to turn.

-       Consistency and deception

“Thor Bridge” includes this interesting suggestion for modern investigators: “Not so, Watson.  It had struck me even at my first perfunctory reading as very strange, and now that I am in closer touch with the case it is my only firm ground for hope.  We must look for consistency.  Where there is a want of it we must suspect deception." [Emphasis added] The statement is made against the background that a pistol was found in the lady’s wardrobe. Holmes went on to state:

Well now, Watson, suppose for a moment that we visualize you in the character of a woman who, in a cold, premeditated fashion, is about to get rid of a rival.  You have planned it.  A note has been written. The victim has come.  You have your weapon.  The crime is done.  It has been workman-like and complete.  Do you tell me that after carrying out so crafty a crime you would now ruin your reputation as a criminal by forgetting to fling your weapon into those adjacent reed-beds which would for ever cover it, but you must needs carry it carefully home and put it in your own wardrobe, the very first place that would be searched?  Your best friends would hardly call you a schemer, Watson, and yet I could not picture you doing anything so crude as that. [Emphasis added]

Finally, the great detective added

… Where a crime is coolly premeditated, then the means of covering it are coolly premeditated also…

-       Hearsay and gossip

Sir Arthur’s short story, “Thor Bridge”, includes this useful passage on gossip, a word that the legal system applies through the law of hearsay.  Hence: “… I can't explain things--I can't even try to explain them, but I know beyond all doubt that Miss Dunbar is innocent.  You know the facts--who doesn't?  It has been the gossip of the country…” For most investigators, gossip may orient your first steps towards ascertaining the facts but “the whole gossip of the country” is not a substitute for real and objective admissible evidence as you go forward.

-       Instinct and observation

“The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger” reminds us of these police qualities: “It is not reasonable to suppose that every one of these cases gave Holmes the opportunity of showing those curious gifts of instinct and observation which I have endeavoured to set forth in these memoirs. Sometimes he had with much effort to pick the fruit, sometimes it fell easily into his lap …”

-       Intellectual process that Holmes adopted to resolve enigmas

“The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier” reminds us of this famous belief:

"That process," said I, "starts upon the supposition that when you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains however improbable, must be the truth.  It may well be that several explanations remain, in which case one tries test after test until one or other of them has a convincing amount of support.

Noteworthy as well is the quote found next: “… One forms provisional theories and waits for time or fuller knowledge to explore them…” The quote is found in “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire”. Finally, note is made of “The Adventure of the Retired Colourman”: “You'll get results, Inspector, by always putting yourself in the other fellow's place, and thinking what you would do yourself.  It takes some imagination, but it pays…”

-       “Learning from our mistakes”

"Have seen this humble home again.  I was well aware of it.  We all have neglected opportunities to deplore…” Refer to “The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone”:

-       “Lie first – provide truthful response later, if at all?”

The fascinating short story entitled “Thor Bridge” includes this thorny issue as to how persons react to sudden “awful” strain and it is offered to provide interested readers with an opportunity to debate this question. Thus:

… One can understand that a woman placed in so awful a position might hurry home still in her bewilderment holding the revolver.  She might even throw it down among her clothes, hardly knowing what she was doing, and when it was found she might try to lie her way out by a total denial, since all explanation was impossible.  What is against such a supposition?

-       Observation and instinct

See the earlier discussion under the rubric “Instinct and observation”.

-       Officer safety and the affable person

Consider this warning to peace officers when dealing with apparently affable individuals: "[He was like] a purring cat who thinks he sees prospective mice.  Some people's affability is more deadly than the violence of coarser souls…” Refer to “The Illustrious Client”.

-       “Pertinacious” perspectives on your investigations

“The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier” begins with this interesting phrase: “The ideas of my friend Watson, though limited, are exceedingly pertinacious…” In other words, Watson is the type of person who holds firmly to an opinion or course of action.  This is a difficulty, perhaps a fault, for those detectives wishing to carry out their investigations thoroughly and successfully.  As new information is uncovered, one must review it with an open mind, thinking always that perhaps the earlier opinions were premature if not mistaken. 

-       Prejudice involving females

The passage that follows sets out a telling example of sexism and prejudice that cannot be tolerated in any society. Thus, we read in “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client”:

"But, if the lady will not accept what is already known, why should any fresh discovery of yours turn her from her purpose?"

"Who knows, Watson?  Woman's heart and mind are insoluble puzzles to the male.  Murder might be condoned or explained, and yet some smaller offence might rankle.  …

Consider also this other ridiculous belief, also found in “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client”:

"If I can help to put him where he belongs, I'm yours to the rattle," said our visitor, with fierce energy.  There was an intensity of hatred in her white, set face and her blazing eyes such as woman seldom and man never can attain…

-       Pre-judging a person’s honesty, or lack thereof, is a mistake

“The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” includes this quote:

Sharp to the half-hour, Colonel Sir James Damery was announced.  It is hardly necessary to describe him, for many will remember that large, bluff, honest personality, that broad, clean-shaven face, above all, that pleasant, mellow voice.  Frankness shone from his grey Irish eyes, and good humour played round his mobile, smiling lips.  … [Emphasis added]

A detective who begins by placing great trust in the suggested victim of a crime is not discharging their functions fully or fairly.  They may very swell have been harmed as suggested by their complaint, but all information is subject to scrutiny.  The facts, as you find them after inquiry, dictate to what extent a person is judged to be honest and frank. 

-       Sexism distorts judgment

Consider this shameful passage from “Thor Bridge”:

It's very black against her.  I can't deny that.  And women lead an

inward life and may do things beyond the judgment of a man.  At first I was so rattled and taken aback that I was ready to think she had been led away in some extraordinary fashion that was clean against her usual nature.  One explanation came into my head.  I give it to you, Mr. Holmes, for what it is worth.  There is no doubt that my wife was bitterly jealous.  There is a soul-jealousy that can be as frantic as any body-jealousy, and though my wife had no cause--and I think she understood this--for the latter, she was aware that this English girl exerted an influence upon my mind and my acts that she herself never had.  It was an influence for good, but that did not mend the matter. She was crazy with hatred, and the heat of the Amazon was always in her blood … [Emphasis added]

What is underlined, as noted, is ridiculous and diverts detectives from correct reasoning if it influences them to the slightest degree.

-       Stupidity ruins a perfect crime?

Refer to the discussion of “Thor Bridge” under the rubric “Judgment” and the sub-rubric: “Consistency and deception”.

-       Suicide as a confession of guilt?

Not unlike flight, the short story “The Adventure of the Retired Colourman” seems to suggest that such an action is the equivalent of a confession.  As we read, “We don't seem to have got any real facts yet, Mr. Holmes.  You say that the prisoner, in the presence of three witnesses, practically confessed, by trying to commit suicide, that he had murdered his wife and her lover.  What other facts have you?" That act is hardly proof of a crime but does indicate a deeply disturbed situation. 

Professionalism

-       Method versus intuition

“The Adventure of the Three Garridebs” includes this interesting quote from Sherlock Holmes: “I have been down to see friend [Inspector] Lestrade at the [Scotland] Yard.  There may be an occasional want of imaginative intuition down there, but they lead the world for thoroughness and method…”

-       Respect for the law

“The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” contains a narration of an unlawful act committed by Sherlock Holmes with a view to securing favourable evidence to exonerate an innocent client.  Whatever “noble objective” justification is advanced, the police must comply with the law.  Consider the words found at the last paragraph of the short story: “… Sherlock Holmes was threatened with a prosecution for burglary, but when an object is good and a client is sufficiently illustrious, even the rigid British law becomes human and elastic.  My friend has not yet stood in the dock.” No Canadian police officer may break the law no matter the situation, save in the extreme and rare situation of “necessity”. 

[1] “Investigations 101: Lessons from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Blue Line, May 3, 2023; “Investigations 101: The case of ‘The Red-Headed League’ by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Instruction for modern-day detectives”, Blue Line, September 15, 2023; “Investigations 101: What Police Officers Learn by reading the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes: The story of ‘The Yellow Face’”, Blue Line, July 14, 2023; “Investigations 101 What Police Officers Learn by reading the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes: The story of ‘Silver Blaze’”, Blue Line, August 18, 2023.