ClydeFrog wrote;
I think some forum members & members of the general public have a misconception of who or what sworn US law enforcement officers are.
Many grew up with the "Officer Friendly" mindset or the policeman is my pal attitude.
Indeed, perhaps you are correct. I grew up in this small town in Tennessee, back during my youth we had a population of roughly 11,000 and had a police force of around 15 officers (some auxillary) , and a Chief. In that time (around 1969 ) These guys were "
peace officers" sworn to protect, and serve. Myself, and several of my friends used to go to the police - fire station on Saturdays and hang out in the area, eating peanuts and drinking sodas and listening to the officers regale us with stories of their jobs. in return, we sometimes washed patrol cars and swept the parking lot and lobby. We felt, and I believe they were, Men who protected us and, were there to help if there was trouble. And many time in my life they have done just that. Interestingly, they also operated a shooting range of sorts and would allow us to use the range and even offered instruction. A "Mayberry-ish" feel to be sure.
Today, the city has grown to 25,000+ and we have more than 100 sworn officers, an SRT team, APC, Bomb Robot, remote cameras,etc. The police station is more akin to a "military base" you may not even enter the building without an officer escort. I work with the courts often and even then, we are only allowed to inspect the facility twice per year. The mindset of the officers has indeed changed as well, We seem to be mere "civilians" and there is a
very pervasive us/them dynamic. "officer friendly" no longer exists. More is the pity.
As the department and mindset has changed, so have the tactics. It is also noteworthy that only 1 officer has ever been killed in the line of duty, that was in 1916.
This thread also reinforces my belief that, in today's world, you are much better served to arm yourself and, be prepared to protect yourself and, your family with as little "
Law Enforcement" involvement in situations as possible as nothing good is likely to result from their involvement. The us/them sword cuts both ways.
ETA: Sorry for the veer but, you make a point worth highlighting.