Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
1
4.8 Police Office Custody of Mentally Ill Persons
4.8.6 Criminal Charging of Suspected Mentally Ill Persons (Revised: 2/16/17)
A. People suffering from mental illness are generally in acute need of understanding and
assistance. All officers must be constantly mindful that the people with whom they are
dealing are individuals with human emotions and needs. In confronting these individuals
who become involved in minor offenses, officers should utilize discretion in realizing
that medic al and psychological assistance may achieve more progress toward correction
and prevention than would arrest.
B. When an officer arrests a suspected , mentally ill person who is a danger to themselves or
others , or who is in need of immediate care or treat ment for a serious felony crime, the
officer will immediately transport the person to SFGH . Routine procedures for custody
listed in General Order 4.6.4, “Adult Custody Procedures” shall be followed. The treating
physician should also be verbally notified of the criminal police hold and the need to
notify the Police Department when the patient is ready for release.
C. When the patient is ready for release from the treatment facility, the patient may be
transported to the County Jail and booked or cited and released.