Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department 6.14
GENERAL ORDER Rev. 04/16/25
Eff. 05/29/25
Page 1 of 9
Psychological Evaluation of Adults
6.14.01 PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish protocols when members contact adults with mental health disorders and who are psychologically or emotionally distressed, including abatements, detentions, and arrests. The order also outlines procedures for admission to facilities, medical treatment, weapons confiscation, and preparation of incident reports.
6.14.02 POLICY
The San Francisco Police Department (Department) is committed to responding in a manner that is humane, compassionate, and supportive while providing the highest level of service to all communities, including persons with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) , those in behavioral crises, and those suffering from the adverse consequences of
substance use disorder. The causes and impacts of mental health disorders vary and are not bound by race, gender, or socioeconomic status. How law enforcement responds to persons living with a mental health disorder can tremendously impact how these encounters will be resolved.
It is the policy of the Department that, in incidents involving adults suspected of having a mental health disorder and who are psychologically or emotionally distressed, members shall , if
feasible, utilize strategic communication, crisis intervention, and de -escalation strategies and
techniques consistent with Department policies and training to address persons in crisis, before
resorting to force. To limit unnecessary confrontation between members and persons with a
mental health disorder, members shall work to divert non -criminal calls for service away from
the Department to non- law enforcement agencies .
The Department is committed to de -criminalizing and reducing the stigma associated with
mental health disorders, and will attempt to seek out diversion programs, resources, and alternatives to arrest, when appropriate.
6.14.03 LEGAL STANDARD S AND DEFINITIONS
A. Legal Standards
1. Criteria for Involuntary D etentions - Welfare & Institutions Code § 5150(a) states
that when a person, as a result of a mental health disorder, is a danger to others, or to themselves, or gravely disabled, a peace officer may, upon probable cause, take, or
cause to be taken, the person into custody for a period of up to 72 hours for assessment, evaluation, and crisis intervention, or placement for evaluation and treatment in a facility.
DGO 6.14
Rev. 04/16/25
Eff. 05/29/ 25
Page 2 of 9
2. Third Party Information - In making a probable cause finding as to whether the
person is a danger to others, to themselves, or is gravely disabled as a result of a
mental health disorder, or severe substance use disorder, members shall consider available relevant information about the historical course of the person's mental health disorder, or sever e substance use disorder from family members or clinicians.
Members should evaluate if the information provided has a reasonable bearing on the determination of the assessment .
B. Definitions
1. Danger to S elf - A person may be a danger to self when they have recently
threatened/attempted suicide or threatened/attempted some serious bodily injury to
themselves. The person may have demonstrated danger of substantial and imminent
harm to themselves through some recent act, threat, or attempt of the same.
2. Danger to O thers - A person may be a danger to others when they have recently
threatened/attempted death or some serious bodily injury to others. The person may
have demonstrated danger of substantial and imminent harm to others through some
recent act, threat, or attempt of the same.
3. Gravely Disabled - A condition in which a person, as a result of a mental health
disorder, a severe substance use disorder, or a co -occurring mental health disorder
and a severe substance use disorder, is unable to provide for their basic personal
needs for food, clothing, s helter, personal safety, or necessary medical care.
a. Gravely Disabled is not any of the following:
i. Surviving safely with the help of responsible family, friends, or others who are both willing and able to help provide basic personal needs (food, clothing, and shelter).
ii. Using poor judgement or displaying eccentric behavior.
iii. Chosen lifestyle or lack of funds.
4. Necessary Medical Care - Care that a licensed health care practitioner, while
operating within the scope of their practice, determines to be necessary to prevent
serious deterioration of an existing physical medical condition which, if left
untreated, is likely to result in seriou s bodily injury as defined in Welfare &
Institutions Code § 15610.67.
5. Personal Safety - The ability of one to survive safely in the community without
involuntary detention or treatment.
6. Severe Substance Use Disorder - A diagnosed substance- related disorder that meets
the diagnostic criteria of “severe” as defined in the most current version of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM -5).
DGO 6.14
Rev. 04/16/25
Eff. 05/29/ 25
Page 3 of 9
6.14.04 PROCEDURES
In determining the appropriate procedures to follow during mental health crisis calls, members should contact Department of Emergency Management (DEM) to request a response from other non-law enforcement agency resource programs through San Francisco Fire Dep artment (SFFD)
or Department of Public Health (DPH). Members may also suggest resources, such as walk -in
facilities, if applicable.
When members on -view or are dispatched to a call for service involving a person suspected
of having