Psychopathic laboratory at Police head quarter, New York City

Abstract

Reports the functioning of the Psychopathic Laboratory at Police Head Quarters in New York City opened in 1916. After medical examination of prisoners, the ones showing certain abnormal tendencies were sent to the Psychopathic Laboratory for further examination by neurologists, psychiatrists and psychologists. The Laboratory was equipped with all the necessary apparatus to test many types of adults. A study of 502 cases was made by the director, who offered a classification based on the determined diagnosis. Based on these, the prisoners were send for further observation to various institutions. Of the 502 cases, only 84 cases were found not obviously abnormal. The research material obtained could be used effectively by medical, psychological, and social workers. Adopting the biological and genetic point of view, scientists could discover the causes of failure in development of youth and suggest some preventive measures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)