It's dependent upon which officer is dispatched. Some, perhaps many, especially those who are more experienced and intelligent, and have been trained in mental

It's dependent upon which officer is dispatched. Some, perhaps many, especially those who are more experienced and intelligent, and have been trained in mental health crisis intervention, will be helpful. Others who are inexperienced or not trained will just want to handcuff the person and throw them in an ambulance by any means necessary. Most cops will want to help a suicidal person. The ones who handle it badly make the headlines and the viral internet stories. The other problem is that "the system" is not really set up to help people who are suicidal to the point that the police are called. They will be sent to the psych ward at the nearest public hospital for evaluation, where they will be seen by overworked staff who know nothing about the person's history. Especially if they have no means to pay, they will be discharged as soon as possible and there will be little followup.