Criminology 101
“The future casts its shadow before it.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)
One of my most rewarding work experiences was with the Police Athletic League (PAL) attached to the Wallingford, Connecticut, police department. Located between New Haven and Hartford, Wallingford is a New England town that was built up around industry and heavy manufacturing. The town center remained picturesque enough with its sprinkling of stately colonial-era homes, but the town’s perimeter—which once featured farmlands and pristine orchards—was now cluttered with car dealerships and fast food joints.
The Police Athletic League was designed to create and improve relationships between police officers and children at risk. Participants in the program, it was thought, were more likely to praise the character of the police force and less likely to engage in crime. Most of the activities offered to the children, many of whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds, revolved around sports such as basketball, baseball, and boxing.
For me, the newest addition to the PAL, it was my job to introduce my young charges to the program’s non-competitive element: the world of art and all its mediums. At PAL I was absolutely in my element—teaching art to youngsters while helping to strengthen police-community relations.
And that’s where I was first introduced to a behind-the-scenes aspect of law enforcement. Police officers—whether beat cops or seasoned detectives—are consummate storytellers. They like to talk. I assumed at the time that talking shop was just a way for them to let go of all the stress that comes with the long hours, risk-filled situations, and little pay. They had my respect. I listened and learned: I found it fascinating.
Nine years later—when I had three small children of my own—I reconnected with my interest in detective work by studying criminology at the college level. I had no desire to join the police force, the work being too gritty and dangerous for my liking, so I never used the knowledge I’d attained.
What I couldn’t foresee at the time was that one day I’d have to use these skills to investigate the death of my own child.
While unraveling the lies surrounding my son’s mysterious death, I discovered the dark and dangerous underworld of the ultra-secretive and litigious Church of Scientology. I experienced first-hand how this organization hides behind the U.S. Constitution’s precious First Amendment—all the while viciously attacking anyone it perceives as an enemy. Ironically, Kyle now rests in the morning shadows of Monticello, home of the founding father whose writings helped define religious freedom in the United States.
My hope is that you’ll follow me as I share posts about my quest to uncover the truth, achieve justice, and restore the dignity stolen from my 20-year-old son.
Deposition excerpts of Victoria Britton
https://thetruthforkylebrennan.com/2013/07/09/1001/
Scientology Attorney Lee Fugate
Written by Victoria Britton©, All Rights Reserved. Duplication or reproduction without permission of the author is prohibited.
A Mother’s Message
https://thetruthforkylebrennan.com/2017/03/15/kyle-brennan-a-mothers-message-scientology/
Crimes Committed by Religious Cults
https://www.museumcenter.org/the-curious-curator/2020/4/10/six-crimes-committed-by-religious-cults
Thank you for your support and for reaching out to me. It’s much appreciated. Wishing all good things for you!
Hello Victoria, .I never realized how awful Scientology is.I had a few touch and goes with the organization years ago and there were members telling me about the ship. I believed Scientology to be a philosophy, not a religion. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing a difficult topic
This must be a grueling journey…the documentary programs I’ve seen about Scientology’s victims are horrifying. May the True God give you strength.
I’m sorry for your loss.
I graduated with 2 degrees, Molecular biology and Forensic Biology. I am very interested in forensic science and would have loved to work for law enforcement agencies….. alas, even here in California, there’s very limited employment opportunities for forensic graduates.
I hope your son gets justice soon. Justice delayed is justice denied. But , please persevere, and be relentless in your pursuit of justice for your son.
My family lived in Yalesville!
Hello Victoria I am sorry for your loss. I pray that you can help uncover the truth of what happened and who was behind it. I also have watched lots of shows about Scientology and the harm they have caused to other people.
Praise god , Thanks for spending your precious time in my blog page, looking forward for your comments and constructive feedbacks in future.
Thanks & Regards
JR
I also studied criminology at University. I have watched some recent investigative programmes on the Church of Scientology and they are truly evil in the way they manipulate the lives of people and then try to discredit them when any attempt is made to tell the truth.. Am looking forward to reading more of your posts. I can only send you love and say how sad I am that you have had to endure this kind of loss… my heart goes out to you.. I hope in some way you can expose the truth…