But the sad reality is whether it's a mistake or prejudice, police wield deadly force, so calling them always has the possibility of someone dying. Should they

But the sad reality is whether it's a mistake or prejudice, police wield deadly force, so calling them always has the possibility of someone dying. Should they be held to a higher standard? Yes. But many aren't, and until that happens, thinking otherwise is wishful or naive. If you call the police, and it spirals out of control, you DO bear some measure of responsibility. Not as much as the actual police, but it's not zero, either, especially if your call is racially motivated. Mugging isn't a counterexample, because the mugger and the muggee have completely opposite desires in the situation. Nobody calls up a mugger and invites them to their neighborhood. Whereas, when you call the cops, you're somewhat in alignment.