How to Prepare for Law Enforcement Arrival
If you've called 911 because your loved one is threatening harm or is in psychiatric crisis, here's how to prepare for the arrival of officers or medical responders:
Request Specialized Response:
- Ask the dispatcher to send Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers or a Mobile Evaluation Team (MET) if available.
- Not all departments have CIT trained responders , but requesting them communicates that this is a mental health call, not a criminal emergency.
Prepare the Environment:
- Remove any objects that could be perceived as dangerous.
- Turn on all the lights for visibility.
- Turn off music, TV's, or anything noisy to reduce distractions.
Meet the Officers (If Possible):
- If safe to do so, step outside and brief the officers before they meet your loved one.
- Share: recent behaviors, diagnosis, communication tips, and triggers.
- Have your Family/Caregiver Information Form ready to hand them.
During the Encounter: Sharing Information With the 5150 Evaluator
When law enforcement or a crisis evaluator arrives, they will assess whether your loved one meets criteria for a 5150 hold, meaning they can be placed in the hospital for up to 72 hours for evaluation and treatment due to danger to self, danger to others, or grave disability.
In this moment, families often feel unsure of what to say or worry about saying the wrong thing.
But California law (Welfare and Institutions Code 5150.05) gives you an important role in this process.
What WIC 5150.05 Means:
This law requires the evaluator to consider relevant information provided by family members, caregivers, or others who know the person's mental health history.
It recognizes that you may have valuable information the evaluator cannot see in a short encounter.
In simple terms: You are allowed, and encouraged to share what you know about your loved one's condition, history, and current risks. The evaluator must take that into account.
How to Use Your Voice:
Focus on safety and functioning
Describe what you've observed that shows your loved one may be unsafe, unable to care for themselves, or disconnected from reality.
Stick to observable facts.
Speak to what is happening, not why you think it's happening. Avoid labeling or diagnosing.
Be concise.
Crisis scenes are fast-paced. Keep your input brief and on the most important safety or functioning concerns.
Stay Calm and Respectful.
A steady tone helps your message come across clearly. Remember: you are part of the evaluation process, not a bystander.
Provide your Family/Caregiver Information Form (if available)
Handing over your completed form ensures the evaluator has a written copy of your information that will go with them to the hospital.
If a hold is not initiated:
You can ask what criteria they used and what signs to watch for. Keep your notes and form for future interactions and follow-up care.
After the Encounter:
- Ask where your loved one is being taken.
- If being placed on a 5150 hold, they will be taken to a Designated Psychiatric Facility and may be held for up to 72 hours for evaluation and treatment.
If you have not already done so, complete the Family/Caregiver Information Form.
Call the Patients' Rights Office/Family Advocate 1-844-360-8250 for assistance