I’ve seen similar laws act out in real life. In NC anyone can go to the courthouse and request a 5150 psychiatric evaluation on someone. You just have to state you are concerned for their safety etc. Bang a sheriff shows up and off you go to the ER for an evaluation and possible 72 hour hold. I’ve seen it done by pissed off family members to each other, neighbors, etc.
This is going to be the nuclear weapon of divorce, custody battles, neighbor property disputes, family feuds etc etc etc.
Sounds as though the sheriffs need an eval for being dumb enough to do this to someone else.