At the January 31, 2024 City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt, the Mayor and City Commission approved a referral (C4 J) to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (“PSNQLC”) to discuss the City’s process for determining the appropriate Baker Act receiving facility to deliver a person in need of an involuntary mental health examination.

In accordance to the Miami-Dade County Transportation Plan, the Miami Beach Police Department (“MBPD”) can transport an individual needing an involuntary mental health examination to the nearest OR most appropriate receiving facility. However, the totality of the circumstances surrounding an incident as well as prior acute care at a particular hospital may warrant an officer to transport an individual directly to a particular facility instead.

As a general rule, due to the facilities and services offered, Jackson Memorial Hospital is best suited to treat individuals suffering from substance addiction under the Marchman Act as well as juveniles. In this same manner, Mount Sinai Medical Center is better suited to treat geriatric patients needing medical attention. After consideration on a case-by-case basis, officers have the discretion to decide the best facility for each individual including under the Baker Act or the Marchman Act. If no special circumstances or needs are identified, Mount Sinai Medical Center is the facility of choice due to the convenience of the location both for the individual and the officer. Not leaving the jurisdiction of city limits allows officers to more quickly go back “in service” to address related issues and area assignments more quickly.