I suspect it has a lot to do with the community you live in. I'm in a town of 20K and we have 38 people on the PD (which we pay out the @ss for). An officer hangs out at the Rec center and plays basketball with the kids. When i drop off or p/u my kids at school, there is an officer there greeting them, sometimes two. My kids know several officers by their first name. I frequently have officers knock on my door, leave cards indicating that my garage door is open and I'm just inviting crime. Last time i was pulled over, the officer gave me a warning, and proceeded to give me a handout with a list of all the services the local PD will do, including p/u your mail/newspaper while you are out of town! When i call the dispatch, someone responds immediately.

My daughter had a stalker for a while, the local police officer assigned to the case instructed her to get a can of pepper spray and spray the guy anytime she see's him, secondly just dial 911 and someone will have "words" with him. The officer did track him down and she hasn't seen the stalker since.

I really like the police officers in my town. Please don't take this as bragging, i just wanted to provide an illustration of another experience. I have had plenty of bad experiences with police. My brother is a trooper and I really hate that when we hang out his attitude against everyone is they are a criminal.

Police officers are just regular guys/gals, however some become hardened BUT i don't hold it against them b/c the next encounter they have, could be their last.

GOD bless peace officers

cheers,
Tim