It's Complicated

My opinion of law enforcement is complicated.

On one hand there are admirable people doing a job that needs done in an exemplary manner.

These are the people who run to the sound of conflict and make peace without exceeding their mandate or trampling on their fellow citizen's rights.

There's not much one can say beyond, "Good job!  More of this, I hope you're promoted to leadership."

I do not support the defunding of the police.

On the other hand are the bullies.  They are why I demand a reformation of the police.

The empty uniforms that demand respect because they're wearing it.

The person will advocate for and enforce laws which are patently unconstitutional.

The person who's interactions with the public make the public distrust the cops as a whole.

For professional law enforcement to work in a constitutional republic where The People are the sovereign entity, the relationship must be... MUST BE! a partnership.

Sir Robert Peel put it very eloquently, “The Police are the Public; the Public are the Police. The Police are paid to give full time attention to duties that are incumbent upon every citizen in the interest of community welfare and existence.” 

The police I hate are the ones who think that they, exclusively, are the arbiters of the duties incumbent.  They believe that the public has no role to play in the interest of community welfare and existence.  Despite the fact that THE PUBLIC is the community entire.

This inversion is something which should enrage you as a member of the public.

The police, as a whole, look to their own interests first and the interest of the community is a tertiary, at best, concern.

One need only look at their opposition to any expansion of gun rights over the past fifty years.

Officer, you want me to respect you and be on your side when someone calls you a pig, you're going to have to be on my side when the community's interests conflict with your desires.

Your desires are supposed to be secondary to the interests of the community.

Look to why they call you a pig rather than the fact they did.  Fix that if you can.  Punishing someone for saying it is forbidden by the constitution because when you put on that uniform YOU ARE THE STATE and not an individual.

In short, learn your place.

You are subservient to the community and the citizens, not the other way around.