Pomona Crisis Mental Health & Involuntary Hold Law
Pomona, California maintains coordinated crisis mental health response pathways that involve local first responders and county mental health authorities. This guide explains how involuntary evaluation and short-term detention work in Pomona, who enforces them, how the 72-hour hold under California law operates, and practical steps for families, first responders, and people subject to an evaluation.
How the involuntary hold (5150) works
Under California law, a person may be detained for evaluation if they appear to be a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled due to a mental health disorder. The statutory authority for the 72-hour hold is set out in California Welfare and Institutions Code section 5150; see the official statute for full text WIC §5150[1]. During the hold the person is evaluated by designated professionals and may be transferred to county mental health facilities or referred for voluntary services.
Penalties & Enforcement
Detention under WIC §5150 is an administrative statutory authority, not a criminal fine imposed by the city. The statute authorizes evaluation and detention for up to 72 hours; other penalties or fines are not specified on the cited statute page. For enforcement and operational oversight in Pomona, local peace officers and designated mental health clinicians coordinate with county mental health services; contact and complaint pathways are managed by county mental health agencies and local police departments Los Angeles County DMH contact[2].
- Enforcer: peace officers and designated county mental health clinicians.
- Detention length: up to 72 hours for evaluation under WIC §5150 (see cited statute).
- Fines: not specified on the cited page for 5150 detention.
- Appeal/review: judicial or administrative review avenues may exist; specific time limits are not specified on the cited statute page.
- Complaints: routed through county mental health complaint procedures and local police oversight.
Applications & Forms
No public application or citizen form is required to initiate an involuntary evaluation under WIC §5150; holds are initiated by qualified professionals or peace officers. Specific operational forms and paperwork used by police and county clinicians are internal and not published on the cited statute page.
Process & What to Expect
- Initial contact: 911 or non-emergency police request for welfare check when someone appears a danger to self or others.
- Assessment: a peace officer or designated clinician conducts a mental health evaluation on scene.
- Detention and transport: if criteria met, the person may be transported to a designated facility for up to 72 hours.
- Records: medical and law-enforcement reports document the assessment and disposition.
Action steps
- If there is immediate danger, call 911; for non-emergencies, contact local police for a welfare check.
- Provide relevant medical history and contact information for family or conservators at first responder request.
- Ask about follow-up services, outpatient referrals, and how to file complaints or request records.
FAQ
- Who can place someone on a 5150 hold?
- Peace officers and certain qualified mental health professionals who determine the person is a danger to self, danger to others, or gravely disabled may initiate a 72-hour hold.
- How long can the hold last?
- Up to 72 hours for evaluation under California Welfare and Institutions Code section 5150; extensions are handled through separate legal processes.
- Can I appeal an involuntary hold?
- Yes; there are review and judicial processes, but specific time limits and steps are not specified on the cited statute page. Contact county mental health or an attorney for immediate guidance.
How-To
- Call 911 if someone is an immediate danger or contact local non-emergency police for a welfare check.
- Provide clear information: location, behaviors observed, known medical or psychiatric history, and contacts for family or caregivers.
- Cooperate with first responders and clinicians during the on-scene evaluation; ask how to follow up and obtain records.
- If detained, request county mental health intake information and ask about discharge planning and outpatient referrals.
- If you dispute the detention, request information on review procedures and consider consulting an attorney or patient advocate.
Key Takeaways
- WIC §5150 allows up to 72 hours of detention for evaluation.
- Local peace officers and county mental health clinicians coordinate enforcement and care.
- For immediate danger call 911; for complaints use county mental health or police oversight channels.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Pomona official site - Police and city services
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
- California Welfare and Institutions Code §5150 (statute)