The basic idea of a red flag law is good. If someone you know well is behaving in a way that a reasonable person would think is a significant risk to themselves or others then having a means to intervene before tragedy strikes is great. But, like so many times, a good idea quickly get corrupted and at best it becomes a useless law, and at worst gives political enemies a means to cripple the opposition.
I think to tame that abuse potential there should be some mechanism to hold accountable those that abuse red flag laws. In theory my sister (a very anti-gun lefty) could call in an ERPO on me even though we barely talk to each other every couple of years. If she wanted the upper hand in, say, division of our parent’s estate after they pass and she used an erpo to get that I should be able to take her to the cleaners in a lawsuit. And/or she should become subject to whatever term in prison I faced.
I agree with the responses.
The idea that someone can get help or intervention doesn't seem like a bad thing, but it should be done by friends or close relatives if at all. Using the law enforcement system to do that is never going to work and will always be overbearing and oppressive.
Look at the older guy who was killed by police when he decided he didn't want to let them in? No matter how many protections are put in place, stuff like that could still happen. Even if you could be informed of a red flag hearing and attend to defend yourself, is that really something that should happen in a free country? If you have done nothing criminal, you should be left alone. Also, I have come across plenty of people who are excitable or don't communicate the best and would have difficulty defending themselves if cops came around to question them or a judge started grilling them. They shouldn't have to go through that just because some well meaning person (or not well meaning) reported them.
It wasn't that long ago we discussed an event in Georgia where a father was shot through an outside window by a cop who was lurking around the house and got the dogs barking. The daughter's ex-husband's mother called in a false report after which the police decided to search around the house and peak through windows instead of knocking. Anytime the police get involved, there are going to a percentage of bad incidents.