Posted by Greg on June 7, 2000, at 8:07:46
In reply to Florida's Baker Act, posted by Snowie on June 6, 2000, at 19:10:10
2. A law enforcement officer shall take a person who appears to meet the criteria for involuntary examination into custody and deliver the person or have him or her delivered to the nearest receiving facility for examination.
Wow! I don't think I'd want a California policeman being able to make the decision on whether or not I "met the criteria". Cal cops already have far too much latitude when it comes to making arrests. I believe here, at the minimum, a Psychotherapist must be called to the scene to make that call (I could be wrong). This made for some VERY interesting reading!
Do you feel this law is a justifiable one? I would think that a cop would have to be trained in Psychology before being allowed to make a decision to institutionalize (sp?) someone. Otherwise any cop having a bad day could put someone away. I wonder if there are other states that have laws similar to this?
JMHO
Greg
poster:Greg
thread:36199
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/36408.html