The police conduct welfare checks on people who may need help. Despite the internet's fascination with police abuse, they can be quite helpful to people.

And maybe you shouldn't be so offhandedly judgmental. I actually called a suicide hotline in the area first (the only mental health service I could come up with) and, after I convinced them that I wasn't suicidal, it was their suggestion to contact the police.

But yes, I guess it was terrible that this poor guy got help and got his life back on track.