was I wrong to call police on my son?

I am the divorced mother of a 19 year-old son. When he becomes enraged, he shouts vulgar profanity at the top of his lungs. I have repeatedly told him that shouting and the use of loud profanity is unacceptable in my house.

During one argument several months ago, I told him if he did this again, he would have to move out. He continued this behavior thereafter, any time we had disagreements, despite my protests.

Then a couple of days ago, when he was screaming obscenities, I told him to leave. He said no, and continued the deafening verbal assault. Seeing no alternative, I called the police, who eventually caught up with him and counseled him.

My son claims that this police action was inappropriate, as no crime was committed. He says I have ruined our relationship for good, since I have terribly humiliated and embarrassed him.

He says that I wasted police resources on a matter that should have been handled more discreetly at home--- that family disputes should not involve the police. I maintain that I acted appropriately in that there was no civil alternative remaining to demonstrate to him that his behavior would not be tolerated. Was I wrong? (He has since moved out.)


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