Police-Encounters-With-People-In-Crisis

and that it would be dangerous to proceed under section 16 [Justice of the Peace Order for
Examination, Form 2], the police officer may take the person in custody to an appropriate place
for examination by a physician.
NOTE:
There is no longer a requirement for a police officer to actually observe the
person’s behaviour and may use information obtained from a third party in order to
form reasonable and probable grounds for apprehension. Police officers should
obtain and record as much information as possible in situations involving third
party reports and request that the complainant sign the officer’s memorandum
book.
Section 33 MHA – Duty to Remain and Retain Custody
Section 33 of the MHA directs
A police officer or other person who takes a person in custody to a psychiatric facility shall remain
at the facility and retain custody of the person until the facility takes custody of him or her in the
prescribed manner.
Community Referral Police Access Line
A community based Mental Health & Justice Services police only access line is available to provide police
officers with assistance when dealing with
• any individual aged 16 or older who is believed to be emotionally disturbed and at a significant risk of
involvement with the criminal justice system, and
• who has not been apprehended under the MHA
The Community Referral Access Line,
for Police Officers ONLY.
is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is
The Public can also access the Referral Access Line by calling (416) 248–4174.
When contacting this referral line, police officers will have access to
• short–term residential beds
• referral to the Mental Health and Justice Prevention Program
• information and referral to other Community Mental Health Services
NOTE:
Mental Health & Justice Services will accept individuals who can be safely
supported in the community, which means that the individual does not pose a
threat to the safety of the public or is not at serious risk of harming themselves or
others. Prior to providing support, the suspected emotionally disturbed person
must voluntarily agree to the services being provided.
Police Officer
1. Where a police officer investigating an Emotionally Disturbed Person (EDP) observes verbal or
behavioural cues (e.g. mute, passive, suicidal, yelling, hearing voices) OR receives information
that would lead the officer to believe that a person is apparently suffering from a mental
disorder, they shall be guided by s. 17 and s. 33 of the MHA.
2. When responding to a complaint of a suspected EDP shall
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06–04 Emotionally Disturbed Persons