The term "5150" originates from California's Welfare and Institutions Code and refers to a situation where a person is taken into custody for mental health evaluation because they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others, or are gravely disabled. It is commonly used in law enforcement and mental health contexts.
The term "5150" is derived from California's legal code. Specifically, it was codified in Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, which defines the criteria for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.