23-183 Street Crisis Response Team

The Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) began operations on November 30, 2020. SCRT is a collaboration between the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) and the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) with support from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM). SCRT responds to calls for behavioral/mental health issues, which can include chronic care concerns. Each team includes a community paramedic, EMT and a peer or specialist from Homeless and Supportive Housing (HSH). As of July 10, 2023, community paramedics within SCRT have the authority to conduct psychological evaluations and place holds, pursuant to 5150 W&I. The SCRTs are citywide and available 24 hours a day. 

Upon being dispatched by DEM, SFPD is required to respond to the call for service. Once on scene, if SFPD determines the subject meets SCRT criteria, the unit may request SCRT. DEM will advise if an SCRT unit is available to respond and will dispatch SCRT in accordance with their policies and procedures, which will include confirmation of some of the criteria listed below. Confirm SCRT is available to respond and advise the subject.

SFPD does NOT have to standby provided the below listed criteria is met, there is no violent/aggressive behavior and there is no medical issue, as determined by the following:

• Subject is completely awake, breathing normally, able to speak, sit-up or stand and
• Subject is not requesting a medical response nor is there indication that one is necessary

SCRT responds to calls that meet the following:

• Scene is safe
• In a residence or public space (non-violent)
• Client is:
  • An adult
  • Alert, conscious & breathing
  • Able to stand and walk, or at baseline mobility if utilizing a wheelchair
  • Occupying an area that disrupts public activity
  • Displaying any non-violent behavior that is concerning to the general public
  • Lying on sidewalk (and not in a position of comfort)
  • Inappropriately clothed for the weather
  • Seeking treatment for a substance use disorder
  • Has suicidal ideations without an active suicide attempt
  • Capable of waiting alone for 30-60 minutes for an SCRT unit to arrive Code 1
  • Accepting of SCRT services

SCRT will NOT respond to the following:

• Acts of violence are involved
• A weapon is involved
• Scene in which officers have not made in-person contact with the subject
• Client is:
  • Actively harming themselves or others
  • Having homicidal ideations
  • Requires medical attention
  • A juvenile
• If the subject has already been detained for 5150 W&I, attempt to utilize an ambulance as the primary means of transportation (SCRT is unable to provide hospital transports)
• If the sole purpose is to conduct a 5150 W&I evaluation, an ambulance and community paramedic captain can be requested through DEM (If none are available, officers should conduct the assessment)
• SCRT should not be called if HNT has been activated

When working in conjunction with SCRT, members shall follow all SFPD policies and are reminded to adhere to: 

DGO 5.01- Use of Force 
DGO 6.14- Psychological Evaluation of Adults 
DGO 7.02- Psychological Evaluation of Juveniles 
DGO 10.11- Body Worn Cameras 
Applicable laws of custodial arrest, detention, citation issuance, and search and seizure

/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.