Imma rebump this thread and give my opinion as I have had 5 years of direct experience working with Sheriff Office of my county being a Explorer Lieutenant.
The police in this nation have one duty: "To Protect and Serve". In order for a man or woman to possess the ability to carry out this duty they have to go through an extensive process that weeds out almost 100% of those who only wish to commit bad acts on the citizens of the United States.
Let me explain this process in detail based on how you apply for my Sheriffs Office. You must first obtain an Associate Degree or Bachelors Degree in any subject field (from Gender Studies to Criminal Justice). This makes sure you are highly educated in regards to your general education and world perspective. Once you obtain a minimum of a 2 year degree you may then proceed to apply which is a 26 page long application which is screened heavily and requires notaries and lots of signatures from various people (doctors etc.). Once this application is received you take 5 physical tests (ranging from Obstacle courses to Swimming) and you must pass each one. You then have to take 2 knowledge tests called the CJ-BAT which essentially test you on general policing policies and other information that a citizen should know in a basic law enforcement encounter to see if you have a aptitude to become a L.E.O. Once these tests are finished you then conduct a Polygraph test, and Psychiatric evaluation, and another doctors physical exam. You then take one final fitness test and you are then given a notice that you are hired by the Sheriffs Office. This process takes 6 months to a year generally. However you are not finished as you still have 6 months of a intense police academy in which you are taught everything you will need to know to be a L.E.O.
So in general the basic cop coming right out of the academy has a decent baseline of how to conduct themselves and they are generally in good mind and are only there to give their life to protect yours.
Now in my experience working with the police I have found maybe just 1 person who had only a bad demeanor in the way the carry themselves out. And just like with anything (race, jobs etc) there will always be "rotten apples". Just like a bad cop does not represent the 99% who are good, and just like a thug African American who gets arrested every other week for Domestic battery doesn't represent the entire African American community.
Another thing is that people don't realize how much they rely on law enforcement in their daily lives. They handle car accidents, are first responders when your bank is being robbed, help the community through homeless outreach and other social programs. They also are on 24/7/365(6) standby (even during holidays) when you might need them to come save your ass from being burglarized in your own house or being beaten by opposite protesters at a rally. They are there solely with the great intent just to help you and your community be better. And it is unfortunate that a lot of stupid people get shot by Police because they didn't know how to comply with simple orders. And it is unfortunate that for some reason a lot of these stupid quote on quote unarmed people happen to be fucking African American because that's all the media show.
What about the damn police officers who DIE FOR YOU. Where the fuck are they mentioned in the news? Why isn't the black or white cop killer mentioned? Why not?
POLICE ARE THERE TO PROTECT YOU. Simple. They aren't their simply to rule over you with a iron fist. So respect them as they protect you in your daily life and help grant you some of the basic freedoms and liberties you enjoy a day to day basis.
My argument stands strong and I support the law enforcement community 100%.