In Probable Cause under the LPS Act detention, which statement best reflects the standard?

• A. A proven diagnosis is required
• B. Hearsay alone justifies detention
• C. The presence of facts known to the authorized person that would lead a person of ordinary care and prudent to believe or entertain a strong suspicion that the person suffers from a mental disorder and is a danger to self, others or GD
• D. A formal court order is required

Answer: (C)

Probable cause for detention under the LPS Act relies on observable facts known to an authorized person that would lead a reasonable and prudent person to believe there is a mental disorder and that the person is a danger to self, others, or gravely disabled. This standard is about credible indicators and reasonable belief, not a formally diagnosed condition. It also can be based on concrete observations or information, not on hearsay alone, and it does not require a court order at the moment of detention.

So the statement that best fits is that the presence of facts known to the authorized person would lead a reasonable person to believe or strongly suspect the person has a mental disorder and is a danger to self, others, or gravely disabled. This captures the idea of probable cause as a practical threshold for temporary detention.