I can’t tell you how many cases we’ve handled, how many consults we’ve done, where the client says, “I called the police because I wanted to get my phone back,” or, “I called the police because I wanted them to escort my boyfriend out of my apartment.”
And guess what happened? Police show up and make the arrest.
This is their law enforcement function. They’re not social workers; they’re not trained as social workers; they’re not there to help you.
Their job is to respond, ascertain if a crime was committed, or if they have probable cause to believe someone committed a crime, and then make the arrest.
If you’re looking for something other than the person to be arrested, don’t call them. It’s as simple as that.
And unfortunately, even if you change your mind about the arrest and your desire to prosecute, it can’t be undone.
The police’s function when you call 911 is to investigate and, if appropriate, make an arrest.