Question J

[Jonetta]

Frank used some brutal methods to extract information from Danny and Billy about Tom Brandt’s murder. Too much, reality of those times or a combination of both? Are we much different today?

[Phrynne]

I believe that it was the reality of the times and at least Frank did not get enjoyment out of it. I am sure some of them did. It must be a bit different today because there are more protections around what can be done to people. Of course we are still getting some pretty brutal arrests both in my country and yours.

[Jonetta]

It was really cruel treatment, especially when they weren’t being charged with anything. However, they were criminals, Danny running a gang of young thieves and Billy having assaulted Frank.

It’s a lot different today given civil rights but it hasn’t prevented some of these tactics from being used under certain circumstances. Better but not eradicated.

[Charlene]

I guess Frank used these methods as a means to the end, which was to solve crimes. He is more enlightened than several of his peers, for which a lot of which credit goes to Sarah.

[Lauren]

I actually found some of Frank's methods quite troubling, but within the context of the time period and the circumstances of the story, they made sense.

Also, as Phrynne says, he doesn't enjoy it and uses it as a means to and end.

Yes, civil rights and laws have led to improvements, but there is still a long way to go.