Understanding Involuntary Hospitalization Applications Submitted to an Urban Police Department

This study identified substantial racial disparities in Section 12 applications, which disproportionately involved Black or African American individuals. The frequent absence of direct clinical examinations before application submissions and the lack of justification indicated a need for regulatory oversight and enhanced petitioner training. Incomplete demographic data underscored the need for improved data collection and reporting practices. These findings highlight the need for reforms to ensure equitable, transparent, and best practice-aligned involuntary hospitalization processes.