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To be taken into custody by police under the Mental Health Act, must a person with an apparent mental disorder commit a crime or be physically violent?

User Gal Weiss
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Final answer:

A person with an apparent mental disorder can be taken into custody under the Mental Health Act without committing a crime or being physically violent. The criteria for detention generally involve assessing the person's risk to themselves or others based on their behavior and statements.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under the Mental Health Act, a person with an apparent mental disorder can be taken into custody by the police even if they haven't committed a crime or been physically violent. The criteria for detaining someone under the act may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, it requires that the person poses a risk to themselves or others due to their mental condition. This risk can be assessed based on the individual's behavior, statements, and the advice of mental health professionals.

User Wilbo Baggins
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