They support the politicians ideas or they lose their jobs.
The idea that police oppose an armed citizenry is pushed and magnified by the media. (surprise, surprise!)
You are correct about the headlines. We are lied to regularly by the media. It is how they have controlled the nation for 50 years...
I think it's foolish to assert that everyone in ANY group thinks alike. It's like when you're driving down the highway, and put on your turn signal to change lanes...some will slow down to let you in, others will speed up so you can't...and some have no idea what that flashing light means.
That is to say, some support an armed citizenry, some don't. Some cops I'd like to buy a beer...others I wouldn't want in my neighborhood.