26-048 Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) – Quick Reference Guide

The Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) responds to behavioral and mental health-related calls, including chronic care concerns. Each team includes:

• A Community Paramedic
• An EMT
• A Peer Specialist from Homeless and Supportive Housing (HSH)

SCRT operates citywide, 24/7.

SCRT Community Paramedics are authorized to conduct mental health evaluations and place holds under Welfare & Institutions Code § 5150 (5150 W&I). The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) will handle dispatching SCRT, based on availability and call criteria.

SFPD Response Protocol:

If dispatched to a call that may involve SCRT:

1. Assess the subject.
2. If the subject meets SCRT criteria, request SCRT via DEM.
   • DEM will confirm availability and dispatch if appropriate.
3. If an ambulance is already enroute, do not cancel. SCRT does not transport; ambulances are still required for medical transport through SCRT.
4. If the subject meets 5150 W&I criteria:
   • Request an SFFD Community Paramedicine (CP) unit.
   • Remain on scene until CP arrives.
   • If CP is unavailable or ETA is greater than 20 minutes, SFPD should place the hold.
5. If no hold is needed and the subject is stable, non-violent, and has no medical concerns, officers do not need to remain once SCRT is confirmed en route.

SCRT will respond if ALL the following apply:

• Scene is safe
• Subject is in a residence or public space (non-violent)
• Subject is:
  • An adult, alert, and breathing normally
  • Mobile (able to walk/stand or at baseline with mobility aid)
  • Not violent or aggressive
  • Lying on the sidewalk or inappropriately dressed for weather
  • Showing concerning but non-violent behavior
  • Has suicidal ideation (no active attempt)
  • Accepting SCRT services
  • Able to wait 30–60 minutes alone (Code 1 response)

SCRT will NOT respond if:

• There is violence, a weapon, or threats involved
• Officers have not made in-person contact
• Hostage Negotiation Team is activated
• Transport to hospital is required (SCRT does not transport)
• Subject is:
  • Actively harming self or others
  • Experiencing homicidal ideation
  • In need of medical attention
  • A juvenile
  • Already placed on a 5150 hold

For 5150 evaluations only, request an ambulance and CP Captain via DEM.

If no CP is available, SFPD conducts the evaluation.

When working with SCRT, SFPD members must follow all applicable Department policies:

• DGO 5.01 – Use of Force Policy and Proper Control of a Person
• DGO 5.21 – The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Response to Person in Crisis Calls for Service   
• DGO 5.24 – Disengagement Procedures
• DGO 6.14 / 7.02 – Psychological Evaluations (Adults/Juveniles)
• DGO 10.11 – Body-Worn Cameras
• All relevant laws regarding arrest, detention, citations, and search & seizure

/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police