Incorrect. It is indicative of the RESPONSE of LEOs to various scenaria. Violence to LEOs may be on the rise, but that is a case of the chicken or the egg (which came 1st). This is simply a symptom of our new society. Instead of resolving situations via dialogue or negotiation, the 1st resort is now violent and final. No intent on allowing difference of opinion, merely murderous suppression of opposition.
That is correct. I have 15 Auxiliary Deputies under me. Many are older guys, 40- 55, that have more experience than most young patrol Deputies. We are not paid and do everything the paid guys do. One difference we notice is how keyed up and instantly confrontational many of the young patrol guys are. The public has expressed many times, by letters and commentaries in the paper how much more they like the contact with the volunteers. Why is this? I can theorize, but not here. Maybe we should make policing volunteer like the Army or Firefighter.