PURPOSE
The purpose of this Station Order is to establish uniform procedures for the response of field supervisors to calls related to Persons Mentally Ill at Compton Station.
BACKGROUND
As a result of several previous Departmental use of force investigations involving mentally ill persons, it was discovered field supervisors were infrequently assigned to these types of calls for service. As a result of potential civil ramifications resulting from these use of force incidents, a corrective action procedure was required.
WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Watch Commander shall ensure the Watch Deputy assigns a Field Sergeant to every Person Mentally Ill call for service and shall ensure a Field Sergeant responds to these calls, without undue delay.
FIELD SERGEANT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Field Sergeant shall, without reasonable delay, respond to these types of calls. The purpose being to supervise, direct, and be a resource for the deputies assigned to handle the call for service. In addition, the Field Sergeant shall avail themselves to the handling deputies and assist with the coordinated response to the call.
WATCH DEPUTY RESPONSIBILITES
The Watch Deputy shall ensure a Field Sergeant is assigned to every Person Mentally III call for service and shall advise the Watch Commander of the nature of this call for service. These types of calls shall be priority calls for service and shall be voiced to ensure the Field Supervisor is aware of the call.
HANDLING DEPUTY RESPONSIBILITIES
Every deputy assigned to handle a Person Mentally Ill call for service, shall coordinate the call and request a Field Supervisor to respond to assist.