[hirvi74]

> People with guns are still people

No one is questioning that police are people.

> Having anyone there will reduce harm in more cases than it escalates

That was never the point I was arguing against. I was arguing against which people are there.

> Suicide is usually an impulse a lonely person who is otherwise perfectly sane carries out in the absence of intervention.

I do not believe that in the slightest. There is an array of causes from physical illnesses, mental illnesses, spiritual beliefs, political beliefs, to even cultural beliefs. Sure, loneliness can contribute in some cases, but it does not hold a candle to conditions like mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, etc..

[JumpCrisscross]

> There is an array of causes from physical illnesses, mental illnesses, spiritual beliefs, political beliefs, to even cultural beliefs. Sure, loneliness can contribute in some cases

Sorry, I was unclear. I meant that loneliness is often a major proximate cause of suicide. An interruption–even something as jarring as the cops at the door–can snap someone out of a pattern which, if left alone, can end in tragedy.

A mental-health professional, or friend or family member, checking in would be ideal. But that isn't always possible. In the absence of better options, a cop checking in is better than nothing.

[keybored]

What does loneliness have to do with being physically close to a person? Lonely people walk among other people all the time.

Someone asking if they would like a receipt, and “have a good day”, ought to snap someone out of it just the same with this logic.