Who is Pete Crocker from Welcome to the Monkey House and what is their importance?

Pete Crocker is the Sheriff of Barnstable County. He comes to the Suicide Parlor to tell Nancy and Mary that Billy the Poet is on the loose. He tells them everything is "under control," but they push him for the full message until he confirms that Billy the Poet is targeting Suicide Parlors. The Hostesses dominate the situation, admonishing Crocker for not being completely informative and for implying that they cannot handle the truth or take care of themselves. When Nancy receives a phone call, Crocker and the police tap the line and, when the caller is determined to be Billy the Poet, trace the call. The Sheriff leaves and takes Mary with him, to go see the criminal.