Growing up on a routine of watching Dragnet and Adam-12, yes I'm old, I believed in the upright, virtuous police officer. The years have altered that opinion.
I have seen too many examples of control hungry men and women in uniform. I think a certain type of person is drawn to the profession; a person who likes to make a split second decision and have the confidence to never second guess it, a person who enforces the laws but believes he is exempt from observing them, a person who enjoys being part of a privileged esoteric group and a person who likes being in charge.
Those characteristics coupled with a role that actually encourages those qualities is concomitant with occurrences such as the Kelly Thomas beating.
Unfortunately, my opinion of the role of the police is that of being a necessary evil. A gang that we have some controls over sanctioned by us to to protect us from complete lawlessness. I'm sure most cops are decent and they have a difficult job. I know I wouldn't want it. Because of that I will continue to respect any officer until he gives me reason to think otherwise.
Being a Fullerton resident for 40+ years, I had one run-in with the FPD. I was pulled over and cited for not having my seat belt on. The officer was respectful and after telling me the fine would only be $45, he explained that he just wanted me to be safe. Of course the irony was not missed when he then mounted his MOTORCYCLE and rode off. I left wondering how our injuries would compare if we went head on, him on his bike, and me unbuckled in my F-350.