California 5150 a disqualifier?

[Chelle]

I have a friend currently attending college with a major in Criminology. Upon graduation, he'd like to become a police officer. He's expressed to me that he has some concerns over the background check.

When he was 15 years old, he was under 72 hour maximum psychiatric hold (5150) in California. He was not taken into custody by the police. He willingly sought out medical attention from the local ER because he was having suicidal thoughts. Apparently, he suffered from teenage depression and was on an antidepressant medication. There were some issues with his health coverage and was forced to stop taking the medication abruptly, causing him to have these thoughts. There have been no further incidences such as this in his medical history. He has never undergone a background investigation but told me he is positive this is the only thing that would show up.

My question is this; If during the background investigation this comes up (which I'm sure it will), is it likely he will be DQ'd? Is there any future for this kid in law enforcement?

Sorry I wrote an essay here. I just wanted to be very clear. Thanks in advance, everyone!

-Chelle

[L-1]

This will not be addressed in the background as BIs are not qualified to evaluate medical issues. However, it will be addressed in the psych. How it will affect him will depend on what he tells the shrink and how his mental health is now.

[MSoCal]

Always Remember, if unsure, you I mean your friend can always apply to find out.
Good luck

[Chelle]

Thanks L-1. Very helpful. I'll relay the information.

Oh and MSoCal, you caught me

-Chelle

[ask80]

i'm pretty sure the psych will drill your friend on that issue when it comes up during the interview. the suicide question is asked like 10 times on the mmpi psych written test. so your friend will have to explain everything and the psych will make the determination. the job is high stress and you are given a gun and badge...