25-045 Department General Order 6.14 Psychological Evaluation of Adults Update Packet #123

The purpose of this directive is to announce the revision of Department General Order 6.14, Psychological Evaluation of Adults, adopted by the Police Commission on April 16, 2025. The Police Commission agreed to a 30-business day implementation period and therefore, members will be held accountable for this policy starting May 29, 2025.

The updates in this policy include, but are not limited to the following:

• A Legal Standard section has been added to include criteria for involuntary detentions and accepting third party information.
• A Definitions section has been created to include definitions for: Danger to Self, Danger to Others, Gravely Disabled, Necessary Medical Care, Personal Safety, and Severe Substance Use Disorder.
• The definition of the term 'gravely disabled' matches the opinion of the SF City Attorney so it is aligned with all city agencies.
• There is a heavy emphasis on de-escalation and reliance on non-law enforcement resources.
• SB 43, a major legal update that went into effect January 1, 2024 and expanded the scope of mental health detentions, has been included.
• Language for oral advisement has been standardized when taking individuals in for an examination by mental health professionals.
• Guidance has been included regarding transportation and writing incident reports.
• A new form, SFPD 627 Patient Property Receipt Form has been created and included in theDGO.
• Guidance has been included regarding handling non-law enforcement agencies requests for assistance, and members' responsibility depending on the agency.
• Additional guidance has been included on members' duty to confiscate firearms and deadly weapons.

Members are expected to have a working knowledge of all directives applicable to their respective assignment and comply with their provisions, per DGO 3.01, Department Written Directives. Members shall obey all written orders, policies, and procedures of the Department, per DGO 2.01, General Rules of Conduct.

Department General Order update packet #123 is attached to this Notice and is available to members on the PowerDMS site.

/s/
WILLIAM SCOTT 
Chief of Police

Per DN 23-152, all sworn & non-sworn members shall electronically acknowledge this Department document in PowerDMS within (30) thirty calendar days of issuance. Members whose duties are relevant to this document shall be held responsible for compliance. Any questions regarding this policy should be sent to [email protected] who will provide additional information.