What is a 5150 police code?

What is a 5150 Police Code?

Overview

The 5150 police code is a law enforcement term that is often misunderstood and misused. It is a vital component of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5150, which provides authority for law enforcement and emergency medical personnel to temporarily detain and evaluate individuals who are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health crisis.

What Does 5150 Mean?

The 5150 police code is often referred to as a "mental hold" or "5150 hold." It is named after the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5150, which permits law enforcement officers to detain and transport individuals who are suffering from a mental disorder, are a danger to themselves or others, or are unable to care for themselves.

Who Can Be Detained Under a 5150 Hold?

Under California law, a 5150 hold can be applied to an individual who:

• Is a danger to themselves: This includes individuals who are suicidal, self-destructive, or engaging in self-harm.
• Is a danger to others: This includes individuals who are violent, erratic, or threatening to harm others.
• Is unable to care for themselves: This includes individuals who are unable to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, or hygiene.

How Does a 5150 Hold Work?

When a law enforcement officer responds to a mental health emergency, they can detain the individual and take them into custody for up to 72 hours (or 14 days with a court order). The officer will typically call for backup and may use additional resources such as a police psychologist or crisis negotiators to assist in the situation.

What Happens After a 5150 Hold?

After the initial 72-hour hold period, the individual will typically be taken to a designated mental health facility or emergency room for evaluation and treatment. The facility will provide a mental health evaluation and determine whether the individual poses a risk to themselves or others.

Possible Outcomes

The outcome of a 5150 hold can vary depending on the individual’s mental health needs and the evaluation conducted at the facility. Possible outcomes include:

• Hospitalization: The individual may be hospitalized for a more extensive period of treatment.
• Outpatient Treatment: The individual may receive outpatient treatment and follow-up care.
• Detention: The individual may be detained for a longer period of time, usually up to 14 days, with a court order.

Common Misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions about 5150 holds that it is essential to address:

• It’s only for the mentally ill: While mental illness is often a factor in 5150 holds, it can also be applied to individuals who are experiencing a psychotic episode, substance abuse issues, or other mental health crises.
• It’s a form of imprisonment: A 5150 hold is not a punitive measure, but rather a temporary detention for evaluation and treatment.
• It’s only used by police officers: While police officers often initiate 5150 holds, other emergency responders, such as paramedics or emergency medical technicians, may also be authorized to request a 5150 hold.

Conclusion

A 5150 police code is a vital tool in addressing mental health emergencies. It provides law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel with the authority to temporarily detain and evaluate individuals who are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health crisis. By understanding the facts about 5150 holds, we can work together to provide better support for individuals in crisis and help them receive the treatment and care they need.

Table: 5150 Hold Process

References:

• California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5150
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, "5150 Holds"
• National Alliance on Mental Illness, "5150 Holds"