Well I guess I have a different view on it - because maybe I'm older, more tired, and have less time to waste on a child that wants to waste MY time.
The next time he pulls his little game of going to the police station - and tells you he wants to HURT himself - ASK THEM to call an ambulance and haul his butt to the ER for a psychiatric exam.
What this does:
It tells difficult child that you are serious about him getting well.
If he's serious about threatening to harm himself he should be in a place where they can keep an eye on him.
I would make that little game of his a reality check and have them call an ambulance, and do a full physical work up on him.
KKKKKKKKRAP that he's doing what he wants, disobeying you and then running to the cop shop for them to bail him out. You need to seriously have a talk with the Captain of that department when difficult child doesn't know about it - and then formulate a plan with him like
If difficult child doesn't come home when he is supposed to, and he goes to the police because he KNOWS you won't BLOW UP at him there - then the next time he calls or they call you have it worked out so that he can go into a little jail cell if they will allow (some counties won't) and call his bluff.
You need to learn how to cut across his playing field. He's smart - you're going to have to be smarter and stop playing his game.
I KNOW- because I raised his TWIN. Also very smart hence the reason I am MORE tired. (Honest)
Hugs
Star