Some good, thoughtful ideas here.  Too many times I've seen the police approach an obviously mentally ill person by shouting demands for instant compliance.  This is usually the worst thing  one can  do and often leads to an escalation of the conflict.  Having worked in the mental health world, I've long felt the police, who do have a tough time dealing with all the troubled people out there,  would benefit by working in a mental health clinic for a few weeks, without their uniforms, guns, tasers etc.  They'd learn some effective techniques which don't involve threats of force.