I've known a LOT of cops

[Orsino]

102. They're not just following orders.

However, they are generally trying to follow both orders and the law, which often conflict. Meanwhile, they are also trying not to die, and can be forgiven for a certain amount of demanding our respect and compliance. It's always a juggling act, and one that requires a cop to be able to improvise in terrible situations that may go down quickly. They do these things for pitiful salaries unworthy of the heroics we like to expect from them.

And those are just the honest ones.

We don't pay them enough to ensure we hire honest cops, and certainly not enough to keep them honest. A cop who's dishonest, or lazy, or PTSDed out of his/her empathy, is empowered to do terrible things.

I don't want to deny the experiences of DUers who have faced terrible abuse at the hands of multiple cops--but it should always be remembered that most of law enforcement is mostly trying to do what they believe is right. Cut the majority a little slack, and if you want better policing, lobby your governments to spend wisely and make them better.