I don't see how that risk has increased. It's pretty normal for police officers to call paramedics and mental health professionals in when subjects show signs o

I don't see how that risk has increased. It's pretty normal for police officers to call paramedics and mental health professionals in when subjects show signs of mental issues and substance abuse (there are even laws requiring them in some places). If the subject is in lockup or on the street by the time they arrive makes no difference since they have the exact same power to involuntarily commit them. Now, whether that power is something that should be more regulated is a different question entirely. I believe there is an appeal process for being committed and it can go to trial, so it's not like it's entirely authoritarian. If signs of abusing this power are found, then of course, something should be done about it, but again, who was the first respondent really doesn't matter in that discussion. EDIT: I read the linked article and holy shit, the US health system really is fucked. Honestly, when the incentives are that misaligned, I can see why you were worried (I was looking at this from a 1st world perspective; mild offense at the US intended). Maybe it would be smart to add an additional sanity check to the STAR system, but of course, until your healthcare mess is sorted, that's like putting a bandaid over a stab wound.