Of course it did.
Police departments used to be part of the community as well.
A cop who found you a bit inebriated behind the wheel used to give you a ride home.
A cop that found your teen up to some mischief brought him home after giving him a good talking to and them told you what your little bugger was up too and left the discipline to you.
Yes in the a criminal might get an A**kicking after forcing the cops to chase him but the cops were also more friendly to their neighbors in the past.
Chris Rock - How not to get your ass kicked by the police!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj0mtxXEGE8
Several years ago - 1996 - I locked my keys in the car, next to a restaurant. There were a couple VA State Troopers in there and I asked them if they could help me. They had to politely refuse because lawsuits forced them to stop. I know back in the 60's, 70', and before then, the cops would help you.
Now, they are beseiged by everyone and see everyone as the enemy.