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Custody Division Manual / Volume 6 - Station Jail Manual

6-06/020.00 Alleged Mentally Ill per 5150 Welfare and Institution Code (WIC)


6-06/010.00 Attempt Suicide/Suicides
6-06/030.00 Developmentally Disabled Inmates

Persons solely detained as Alleged Mentally Ill per 5150 WIC shall be detained and transported directly to the appropriate contract county mental health facility.

When a person is arrested for a misdemeanor crime, where prosecution will not be sought, and is determined to be Alleged Mentally Ill per 5150 WIC, the patient shall be detained and transported directly to the appropriate contract county mental health facility.

When a person with criminal charges is determined to be Alleged Mentally Ill per 5150 WIC, the inmate shall be transported and booked at IRC or CRDF.

Persons who appear to be mentally ill shall be carefully evaluated to verify that they are indeed mentally ill and not developmentally disabled.

All mentally ill inmates or those who exhibit unstable/erratic behavior shall be housed separately from other inmates.

Under current California legislation a County Mental Health Facility cannot refuse a 5150 WIC patient if the following is exhibited and can be documented on the Application For Assessment, Evaluation, and Crisis Intervention or Placement For Evaluation and Treatment (form (MH 302):

  • Gravely disabled adult
  • Gravely disabled minor
  • Poses a danger to himself/herself
  • Poses a danger to others

The Mental Evaluation Team (MET) assists patrol deputies with contacts involving the mentally ill, suicide attempts or gravely disabled persons. The MET unit will assist the deputy with the individual, by arranging placement or transporting the individual to a designated facility, if the person qualifies under 5150 WIC. The MET deputy will prepare the "Application for Evaluation" (MH-302). The station handling deputy will prepare a brief Incident Report (SH-R-49), alleged mentally ill person, and book any confiscated weapons.

The MET also:

  • Responds to barricaded suspect/mentally ill individuals
  • Threat of suicide in progress, i.e. “jumpers”, self-inflicted injuries
  • Provides supplemental crisis intervention techniques to defuse potentially volatile situations
  • Prepares appropriate documentation to assist custodial agencies in the placement of the mentally ill
  • Acts as liaison to community and judicial agencies
  • Gives court testimony regarding the mental health or emotional stability of clients

MET units consist of a deputy and a Department of Mental Health clinician, who respond in unmarked Sheriff's vehicles.

  • NOTE: Persons who appear to be mentally ill shall be carefully evaluated to verify that they are indeed mentally ill and not developmentally disabled.