§ 36-525 — Apprehension and transportation by peace and police officers; immunity

A. If the procedures set forth in section 36-524 are not available, a peace officer may take into custody any individual the peace officer has probable cause to believe is, as a result of mental disorder, a danger to self or others, and if during the time necessary to complete the prepetition screening procedures set forth in sections 36-520 and 36-521 the person is likely without immediate hospitalization to suffer serious physical harm or serious illness or to inflict serious physical harm on another person. The peace officer shall transport the person to a screening agency unless the person's condition or the agency's location or hours makes such transportation impractical, in which event the person shall be transported to an evaluation agency. A peace officer is not held civilly liable for any acts committed by a person whom the peace officer has not taken into custody pursuant to this section.

B. A police officer who is an employee of the United States department of veterans affairs may take into custody and transport to a screening agency or an evaluation agency, as applicable, a person who is a veteran of the United States armed forces, consistent with subsection A of this section.

C. If apprehension takes place on or about the premises of the apprehended person, the peace officer or the police officer who is an employee of the United States department of veterans affairs shall take reasonable precautions to safeguard the premises and the property on the premises, unless the property and premises are in the possession of a responsible relative or guardian.

D. A peace officer or a police officer who is an employee of the United States department of veterans affairs who makes a good faith effort to follow the requirements of this section is not subject to civil liability.