I was also taught that respect can be given, but must be earned to be kept.
If LEO's want respect, they must vigorously prosecute any of their own that commit wrongdoing.
If they do not, they do not rate ANY RESPECT.
And they wonder why people lie to them or won't cooperate !
What happens when we have to accept any UNIDENTIFIED PERSON IN DISGUISE OR MASK WITH ILLEGAL AUTOMATIC WEAPONS as an LEO, or risk being shot?