[thaumasiotes]

> The police are subject to civilian law

That would be nice. In fact the police are immune to many laws.

> The police lack training

Huh?

> and aren't a national force with unified standards.

This is no part of what anyone thinks "military" means. Blackwater isn't a national force either.

> The police can just quit at any time.

This does not affect the nature of what they do.

> The police, in many places, are subject to civilian oversight and review.

Ditto.

Imagine you're explaining the police to someone from the year 1600. Your primary goal is to convince this person that they aren't soldiers. What would you say?