[jacquesm]

If there is one thing police is scared about it is an out of control mob. Egypt is an example of what the possible outcomes are in situations like that. Any amount of weaponry can be overcome by sheer numbers once the citizens get pushed beyond caring if they live or not. Police the world over should never forget who their ultimate masters are, this guy even refers to that 'Don't scream at me that you pay my salary'. But they do, and as such police is ultimately accountable for keeping the peace and enforcing the law, for protection of people first and assets second.

As soon as that part is lost 'to protect and serve' (or whatever the local variation is) becomes a hollow slogan.

When I was a kid I was taught that police were to be respected at all times because they have dangerous jobs and are first responders when you need them. Nowadays I'm not so sure that I should trust police, respect them often enough much less (my few interactions with police have been with a few exceptions quite the little displays of 'we have power over you and you'll know it'). I've seen first hand corruption, bribe solicitation, abuse of power and a refusal to actually do the work they were hired for in the first place. I wished I could re-gain my childhood respect for the police forces of the world but they're going to have to work really hard to get that.