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Emergency
Custody Orders
The
Code of Virginia allows for any responsible adult or law enforcement
officer, with first-hand knowledge of an individual's behaviors that
may be dangerous because of a mental illness, to petition the courts
for an Emergency Custody Order (ECO), to have the individual in
question evaluated. This order can be obtained through the
Magistrate's office 24 hours a day, seven days a week, either in
Danville or in Chatham, at the courts and jails buildings.
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The
individual in question must appear to be mentally ill and in
need of hospitalization
AND
appear
to be an imminent danger to him/herself or others as a result
of the mental illness
OR
appear
to be so seriously mentally ill as to be substantially
unable to care for him/herself
AND
be
incapable or unwilling to seek treatment voluntarily
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The
Magistrate will require the individual's name, date of
birth, Social Security number, current location, a physical
description (eye and hair color, clothing, etc.), and the
reason an order needs to be issued.
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The
Magistrate will notify the Sheriff's office of the order and
the individual will be taken to a site such as DPCS' Mental
Health Services on Hairston Street or the Emergency
Department at Danville Regional Medical Center for an evaluation.
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Once
the officer or deputy begins transport of the individual,
that individual may be detained for up to four hours while
an evaluation is completed by a clinician from DPCS'
Emergency Services Unit.
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Many
outcomes are possible and depend on the severity of the
individual's illness and Virginia law. Referrals to
other community services may take place.
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If
there is a question about the process or legal criteria,
please contact one of the following:
| DPCS'
Emergency Services Unit: |
434.793.4922
or 877.793.4922 |
| Danville
Magistrate: |
434.799.5143 |
| Pittsylvania
County Magistrate: |
434.432.7910 |
Back
to Mental Health Services Division
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