Meaning
What does 5150 mean?
The number 5150 is a police code used when calling for help as a result of somebody goes completely insane.
It applies when the offender is behaving in a loopy method due to psychological sickness or substance abuse.
The offender will typically be on a psychotic spree and is never conscious of what he’s doing, the place he’s, and have a warped notion of actuality.
She or he is a hazard to themselves, others or to property.
On this case, the particular person might be detained for 72 hours in a psychiatric ward, and fairly than give attention to punishment and legislation enforcement, they’re surrounded by nurses, psychiatrists and docs.
Search Curiosity
Origin of the term
The clause of “Involuntary Psychiatric Maintain” is present in the California Welfare and Establishments Code, in Article 1, part “5150”.
All states have related measures, however this specific number is particular for California.
Though the code primarily informs what measures to take when detaining the offender, it’s used as police slang for an unstable particular person.
Unfold of the term
The number has been adopted as slang by the widespread folks as effectively, and can be utilized when referring to somebody who is solely only a bit bizarre.
In 1986, the arduous rock band Van Halen launched an album with the title “5150”, in direct reference to the code.