ANNUAL   REPORT   OF   THE
 

lusions of persecution and hallucinations of hearing. He finally sent a letter
to a public body giving notice that after a certain date, if his annoyances did
not cease, he would not be responsible for what might happen. Following the
expiration of the date designated, he committed an assault on three women in
one of our crowded thoroughfares at noon time by slashing them with a small
knife. Examination in the Laboratory revealed his condition and upon re¬
ceipt of the findings of our doctors he was sent to the Psychopathic Ward at
Bellevue Hospital, and from there committed to the State Hospital at Central
Isllp. Although this man had several times complained to the authorities In
other cities regarding his alleged persecutions, it was not until he was brought
before the Psychopathic Laboratory that his true condition was learned and
the case properly disposed of.

The study of such individuals for the purpose of outlining their proper treat¬
ment is a medical problem requiring a well equipped Psychopathic Laboratory
such as we now have in operation. But the Laboratory has been of value prin¬
cipally in showing the need and the way. These unfortunate defectives are
a grave and increasing menace to the public, and the very worst treatment of
the problem they present is the treatment they now receive; either being dis¬
missed with the result that the community is at the mercy of their strong bodies
and weak wills; or else being sent to jail with other criminals, to become every
day more confirmed in the habit of crime, and more certain to do serious harm
when released. They should be sent to institutions of a hospital nature that
would keep them for life unless cured. Under no circumstances should they
be given the chance to prey on the public, or to beget offspring.

WAR WORK.

PREPAREDNESS.
In May, 1915, a committee was named for the purpose of gathering infor¬
mation and forming plans that would help to safeguard the City of New York
in the event of disaster or great emergency. The committee consisted of Chief
Inspector Schmittberger, and Inspectors O'Brien, Morris, and Cohen; later
Inspector Kelly replaced Inspector Cohen. These men have done particularly
good work, resourceful and constructive. They visited the Plattsburg Camp,
and they have consulted with officers of the Army and Navy, and with repre¬
sentatives of other city departments, of mercantile and trade associations, and
of the various railroads coming into New York. From all they have received
a cordial welcome and generous co-operation.

A Police Directory.

To determine the places that shall be given special attention in  an emer¬
gency, there was established a police directory in all precincts with  a central
bureau at Police Headquarters, where a classified card index system  was kept