Saint Elizabeths Hospital Action Training Lab for Police
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12926/jqct3a81Keywords:
PoliceAbstract
The development of the Saint Elizabeths Hospital role training laboratory for law enforcement personnel confronting crisis situations is traced from its origins. The application and efficacy of various training models are discussed and examples are used to illustrate key points in utilizing role training in a safe and effective manner. Recent research measuring .the outcome of role training is cited.
References
Bard, M. (1975). The function of the police in crisis intervention and conflict management. Washington, DC: U.S.Department of Justice.
Buchanan, D.R. (1981). Action methods for the criminal justice system. Federal Probation, 45, 17-25.
Buchanan, D.R., & Enneis, ] . M . (1981), Forty-one years of psychodrama at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama and Sociometry, 34, 134-147.
Buchanan, D.R., & Hankins, J.M. (1983). Family disturbance intervention program. F. B.I. Law Enforcement Bulletin, 52 (11), 10-14.
Culley, J. (1974). Hostage negotiations. F.B.I. Law Enforcement Bulletin, 43 (10), 10-14.
Hoff, L.A. (1978). People in crisis: Understanding and helping. Los Angeles: Addison- Wesley Publishing Company.
Moreno, J.L., & Whitin, E.S. (1932). Plan and technique of developing a prison into a socialized community. New York: National Committee on Prisons and Prison Labor.
Weiner, H.B., & Wohlking, W. (1971). Structured and spontaneous role playing: Contrast and comparison. Training and Development Journal, 25, 8-14.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
- NoDerivatives — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation.
No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.