Policy Text
sm hmcipeo PO^ ~cp~rtmcat 6.06 --- GENERAL ORDER Rev. 07110196
TARASOFF INCIDENTS
The purpose of this order is to set procedures for investigating and reporting threats
communicated to a psychotherapist, commonly referred to as Tarasoff incidents.
I. GUIDELINES
A. DEFINITION OF A TARAWFF INCIDENT. A Tarasoff incident is one in
which a person has communicated to a psychotherapist a serious threat of
physical violence against a reasonably identifiable victim.
B. RELEVANT CODES
1. PSYCH- DEFINED. Section 1010 of the Evidence Code defines a -
psychotherapist as:
a. A psychiatrist, or a person whom the patient reasonably believes to be a
psychiatrist
b. A licensed psychologist.
c A licensed clinical social worker.
d A licensed school psychologist, holding state credentials to provide
such services in schools.
e. A licensed marriage, hunily, or child aunselor.
f. Registered associates, assistants, interns and trainees working under .
the supervision of lice!nsed psychiatrists, licensed psychologists,
licensed clinical social workers, or under the supervision of licensed
marriage, family and child counselors.
DGO 6.06
Rev. 07/10/%
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2. CrVn. m. Section 43.92 of the Civil Code exempts psychotherapists
from civil liability if they do the following:
a. Make reasonable efforts to notify the victim or victims, and
b. Make a police report, relating complete information regarding the
threats and the success or failure of efforts to now the victim(s).
3. POSGESSION OF FIRJMRM OR DEADLY WEAPON. %!ction 8100 (b) (1) of the
Welfare and Institutions Code prohibits persons, who have
conmunicated a third-party threat to a psychotherapist, from purchasmg,
possessing, or having access to any firearm or other deadly weapons for six
months after the date of the threat Section 8105 (c) of the Welfare and
Institutions Code requires that a licensed psychothempist immediately
report the identity of persons subject to this prohibition
11. POLICY
It is the policy of the San Francisco Police Department that in incidents
involving third-party tlueats communicated by a person to a psychotherapist,
.+ officers shall prepare an incident report.
III. PROCEDURES
A. ASSIGNMENT. Communications shall assign calls of Tarasoff incidents to a
patrol unit for the initial investigation and completion of an incident report.
In special cir-, the Comrnunicatio~~~ may notify the Department's
Psychiatric Liaison Unit which will then be responsible for completing the . incident report.
B. INCIDENT REPORT. When preparing the report, follow these procedures:
1. ntle the report Tarasoff Threats."
2 WITNESSES, REFOREPO]RTEES, Include the names of repartees, witnesses, and
intended victims. Describe the circumstances of the threat along with
efforts by the psychothempist to notify the intended victim, Indicate
whether the intended victim was notified of the threat
DGO 6.06
Rev. 07/10/96
I
I 3. SUSPECJT INFORMATION. In order for the Psychiatric Liaison Unit to make .
I the required notifications to the Department of Justice - which is required
I in 8105(c) of the Welfare and Institutions Code - include the suspect's
I name (including any alias), sex, race, DOB or approximate age, height,
I weight, hair and eye color, Social Security number, driver license number.
I Also include the suspect's mailing address and date the threat was
I reported.
4. ASSlGlWENT. Assign the report to 5G200 (General Work Section) with
copies to the Psychiatric Liaison Unit.
C QuES7lONS. If you have any questions, call officers at the Psychiatric Liaison
Unit (m;v), at 206-8099 (Monday - Friday 0900-1700 hrs.). During non-
business hours, oontact the PLU through the Operations Center. ,
*- Section 1010 Evidence Code
Section 43.92 Civil Code
Welfare & Institutions Code Sections 8100 @) (I), 8105 (c), 8102
Weke & Institutions Code Section 5150
DGO 6.14, Psychological Evaluation of Adults
DGO 7.02, Psychological Evaluation of Juveniles
DGO 3.05, Department Weapon Return Panel