My family was a police family with three uncles and a grandfather who served on the Cleveland special police. They cover all the different sporting events in Cleveland and the stories they told were unbelievable. They were hit with all sorts of things ,spit upon and had to deal with all the drunks and drug users. After listening to their stories I can understand why some of them go off the deep end. Some should never be hired and if they took more personality tests they might exclude more.They were very critical of those who committed what they referred to as police crimes because of how it reflected up[on them however most police news reports are about the bad ones with very little reported about the good jobs and I believe there are more of them.

Because they don't have any legal obligation to protect you. Some are dirty AF. I have called military personel before, they are there before the police, and they don't fuck around. One guy here got kicked off the force. I asked the county attorney what it was about. Gave me a very vague answer. I personally gave him some papers. The court house said they never got them. He also happens to be (was) the lead investigator for this county. The guy I am testifying against happens to be good friends with him. There is another one that I am sure is dirty AF. The mayor said I could have a bonfire at my house as long as it is recreational, and not burning trash. New neighbor bitched, and this other guy showed up. I almost always have a 7" bowie knife on me. He asked if I had a bear problem. I asked if he wanted to see it. He didn't say yes or no. So I unsheevethed it slowly. Went right for his pistol. I presented it to him business end towards me. He said that's nice. Tested it for sharpness on his finger. Said "DAMN THAT'S SHARP"! What did you THINK a knife is supposed to do? He cut his finger. We are supposed to trust these people?

One that I trust is the Sgt. However he did cross county lines, and tresspass on my private property. Couple others are good. Most I call by first name. Small village not in any trouble.

The police cover up for the bad ones making it impossible to know if calling for help will end in yours or someone innocents death. Like if every time an ambulance was called you didn't know if they'd decide to kill you or not. The greater militarization of the police, the general hiring practices and the lack of real oversight should concern everyone. If any other company or organization were run the way the police are, they'd be out of business and in jail. I darn near have a panic attack every time I get pulled over. And I'm in the least likely group to be shot. The police have all the power, they have no business playing the victim. They don't like their reputation? Maybe don't earn it.

I feel that people are not opposed to the police department itself, but opposed to the bad individuals. Also when the police department because the long arm of corporate amerika, catering to their needs and not serving the intent of the law people become disenfranchised.
People who are in crisis generally don't have a lot of choice on who to call. So they have to default and call on the police and hope for the best.