police know NOTHING about how to handle suicidal people

strugglingtobeheard:

unbossed:

Treat a cop just like you treat a gun when you don’t know whether it’s loaded or not. Assume that it is loaded and that it could cause someone’s death at any time. Remember that a cop, unlike most firearms, has no safety mechanism or standard method for “clearing” them. Never point a cop at anyone whose blood you could not accept having on your hands.

Also quick note, in Massachusetts at least, we have these things called Mobile Crisis Units for kids under 21. If someone is suicidal or having a potential psych episode, don’t call the fucking cops. They don’t know shit and don’t do shit but make things worse. See if your area has a mobile crisis unit that can come and find a way to maintain safety for self or the person until they arrive. They can streamline help to the appropriate avenues and provide ways to help the person calm down. For adults, they don’t necessarily have the same things but it’s preferable to ask for an ambulance when calling 911 over the cops. State it is a MEDICAL emergency. Not even psych. Don’t fucking call the cops unless you literally have no other fucking means of solving or staying safe in a situation. The cops make ALL situations worse when it comes to most things people deal with. Find what resources your state has and start talking about alternative policing and community supports. If your first instinct is to call the cops regularly, you’re privileged and asking to be responsible for another human beings death. Even tho we know y’all don’t look at Black folks like human, doesn’t change the fact that the blood is on your hands.