Taken in for a Psychiatric Evaluation
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-503 — examined within 24 hours, and held not more than 72 without commitment
A police officer who has reasonable cause to believe that a person has psychiatric disabilities, is dangerous to themselves or others or gravely disabled, and needs immediate care and treatment may take the person into custody and to a general hospital for an emergency examination.
Who handles this in Connecticut: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Connecticut directory.
- The officer leaves a written request with the hospital detailing the circumstances of the custody.
- The person is examined within twenty four hours, and not held more than seventy two hours unless committed under the emergency certificate section.
- A probate court may also, on an application, issue a warrant to bring a person before it to be examined.
Sources for this section (1)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-503 — (Formerly Sec. 17-183a). Detention by police officer prior to commitment. Issuance of emergency certificates by psychologist, certain clinical social workers, advanced practice registered nurses, professional counselors and marital and family therapists and in correctional facilities
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Connecticut attorney.