Some California law enforcement agencies are changing their response to suicide calls, citing the risk of 'suicide by cop' incidents and liability. Sheriff's offices in Plumas County, Mono County, and other jurisdictions have adopted policies to not respond to certain suicide calls where the person is alone and no crime is in progress.
Larger cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco use specialized crisis teams with mental health clinicians, but rural areas often lack these resources. The shift occurs alongside statewide efforts to reduce police use of force, but critics argue it leaves civilians in danger and fails those in crisis.
This policy change highlights the growing tension between police responsibilities and mental health crisis intervention in California.