San Bernardino Crisis Intervention & Hold Rules

Public Health and Welfare California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

In San Bernardino, California, crisis intervention and temporary psychiatric holds are governed by state statute and delivered locally by law enforcement and county behavioral-health providers. This article summarizes who may place a hold, the scope of authority, enforcement and appeal pathways, common violations, and how residents can report or seek help. For legal criteria see the California Welfare and Institutions Code and local behavioral-health resources linked below for official procedures and contacts.California WIC §5150[1] San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health[2] City of San Bernardino Police Department[3]

Scope & Authority

Under California law, a person who, as a result of a mental disorder, is a danger to others, to themself, or is gravely disabled may be placed on a short-term involuntary hold for evaluation and treatment. Local implementation in San Bernardino is carried out by peace officers and designated county mental-health clinicians in coordination with city police and county behavioral-health services. The county operates crisis teams and receiving facilities for evaluation and stabilization.

A 5150 hold authorizes up to 72 hours of involuntary detention for evaluation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Crisis holds and related orders are civil, not criminal, procedures. Monetary fines are generally not a component of a 72-hour hold; specific fines or administrative penalties are not specified on the cited pages. Enforcement and oversight include law-enforcement officers, county clinicians, and receiving psychiatric facilities; civil commitment or conservatorship proceedings may follow when authorized by statute.

  • Enforcer: peace officers and county-designated mental-health professionals for placement and transport to a receiving facility.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: involuntary evaluation, temporary hospitalization, possible referral to conservatorship or further civil proceedings.
  • Appeals/review: rights to legal counsel and judicial review (writs or hearings) are governed by state law; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Fines/fees: not specified on the cited pages for initial holds; court-ordered proceedings may carry administrative costs depending on jurisdiction and case.
If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and notify responders about mental-health concerns.

Applications & Forms

There is no public "application" to request a 5150 hold; holds are initiated by authorized responders (law enforcement or clinicians) based on observed behavior or professional assessment. For access to formal forms, incident reports, or medical-legal paperwork, contact the county behavioral-health crisis team or the San Bernardino Police Department records division.

  • No public application form is required to initiate a hold; initiation is by authorized personnel on scene.
  • For forms or records requests, contact county behavioral health or City Police records as listed in Resources below.
Authorized personnel must follow statutory criteria when initiating a hold; improper use can be subject to review.

Common Violations & Typical Outcomes

  • Unsafe behavior or threats of violence leading to an involuntary evaluation.
  • Refusal of essential self-care causing grave disability evaluations.
  • Repeated crisis contacts that may result in referral to longer-term services or conservatorship proceedings.

FAQ

What is a 5150 hold?
A 5150 hold is a 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold for evaluation and treatment under California Welfare and Institutions Code §5150.
Who can place someone on a hold?
Authorized peace officers and certain licensed or designated mental-health professionals may place a person on an involuntary hold when statutory criteria are met.
Can I appeal a hold?
Yes; individuals have rights to legal review and counsel and may seek judicial relief. Specific procedures and timelines are governed by state law and local practice.

How-To

  1. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety and explain the person’s behavior and location.
  2. For non-emergencies, contact the San Bernardino Police non-emergency line or the County behavioral-health crisis access line to request a welfare check or mobile crisis team response.
  3. Provide responders with the person’s medical history, medications, and any threats or self-harm indicators to assist assessment.
  4. If a hold is initiated, follow instructions from medical staff and inquire about patient rights, records, and the process for legal review or appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • State law (WIC §5150) authorizes short-term involuntary holds for danger to self, others, or grave disability.
  • In San Bernardino, holds are implemented by peace officers and county behavioral-health clinicians working with city police.
  • Monetary fines are not specified for initial holds; non-monetary outcomes include evaluation, hospitalization, or further civil proceedings.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] California Welfare and Institutions Code §5150
  2. [2] San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
  3. [3] City of San Bernardino Police Department

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