Seattle Police Manual

16.110 – Referring Subjects to the Crisis Solutions Center (CSC)

Effective Date: 10/17/2012

16.110 – POL

This policy pertains to referrals of people with mental illness or chemical dependency directly to the Crisis Solutions Center (CSC).  For more information about the CSC, click here.

1. Officers May Refer Subjects with Mental Health and/or Chemical Dependency to the CSC

See 16.110–PRO–1 Referring a Subject to CSC. Referrals may take place:

• As part of an officer’s community caretaking function, or
• during an investigative detention, or
• when an officer has probable cause to believe that an individual has committed an eligible criminal offense.

a. Eligible Crimes for CSC Referral

• Alcohol in a Park
• Criminal Trespass I and II
• Disorderly Conduct
• DWLS 3
• Drug Traffic Loitering
• Failure to Obey
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• NVOL
• Obstructing a Public Officer
• Possession of a Fraudulent Driver License
• Possession of Marijuana
• Property Damage < $50
• Prostitution
• Prostitution Loitering
• Theft 3 < $50
• Theft of Rental Property
• Unlawful Bus Conduct
• Unlawful Issuance of Bank Checks
• Use of Drug Paraphernalia
• VUCSA: Possession of Legend Drugs (Prescription Drugs without Proper Prescription)
• VUCSA: Simple Possession of Cocaine < 1 gram
• VUCSA: Simple Possession of Heroin < 1 gram
• VUCSA: Simple Possession of Methamphetamine < 1 gram
  

b. Certain Subjects are not Eligible for CSC Referral

Individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria are not eligible for CSC referral:

• Suffer from an acute mental health crisis which meets the criteria for an emergent detention for evaluation and treatment under RCW 71.05.153
• Require medical treatment
• Have an active criminal warrant
• Felony conviction status in the past ten years
• Violent offender status in the past ten years
• Sex offender status in the past ten years
• Juvenile status

2. Officers Shall Notify Potential Crime Victim(s) of the Diversion Option

Officers shall consider any strong opposition presented by the potential crime victim(s) when determining whether to make the referral.

3. Officers Shall Inform Subjects that Referral is Voluntary

16.110-PRO-1 Referring a Subject to CSC

Officer

1. Conducts a complete investigation.

a. Checks subject’s name through WACIC and FORS for excluding
factors:

• Warrants
• Felony conviction within the past 10 years
• Violent offense conviction within the past 10 years
• Sex offender status within the past 10 years

b. Assesses subject’s immediate danger of serious harm to self, others, or property; or grave disability.

c. Identifies elements of crime, if any.

2. Determines that the subject is appropriate for CSC referral.

3. Notifies potential crime victim(s) of the diversion option.

a. Considers any objection to diversion.

4. Asks the subject if he or she is interested in being referred to CSC.

a. Emphasizes that referral is voluntary.

b. If the subject does not want to be referred and arrest is possible, considers making the arrest.

5. Screens incident in-person with sergeant if:

a. The subject was handcuffed.

b. The officer will be transporting the subject to CSC.

c. There was a use of reportable force.

d. The officer is unsure as to if the subject meets the intake criteria.

6. Advises Communications to contact the CSC.

Communications

7. Coordinates communications between the Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) and the officer.

Officer

8. Arranges for transport to CSC, either in a patrol car or the MCT vehicle.

a. If the subject is being referred to CSC instead of jail, it is preferable, but not necessary, for an officer to make the transport.

9. Completes a GO report.

a. Documents the incident, including witnesses and victims.

b. Describes elements of crime, if applicable.

c. Confirms that no disqualifying criteria exist.

d. Selects “CSC Diversion” from the “Arrest Disposition” box in GO suspect linkage, if applicable.

CSC Staff

10. Completes the “Arrest Referral Tracking Sheet” and “Notice Diversion to CSC,” if applicable.

a. If the referring officer requested notification, immediately contacts the referring officer to advise if the individual declined services and will be leaving the facility.

b. If an individual who was subject to arrest declines services, contacts the appropriate prosecuting attorney.