I don't know if we're just extremely lucky to have our Sheriff or if this says something about the difference between Sheriff's departments and city police departments.
It almost always comes down to the chief or sheriff. In my little town, the police chief feels that his officers are there to protect and serve. He tries to be really careful when hiring to get officers that feel the same way. Occasionally that doesn't work out. We've had officers that see people as cash machines for the city, taking just about any excuse for writing tickets and stuff. The problem officer will be given a bit of time to adjust his attitude, and if he can't make the transition, it is politely suggested to them that there are other towns nearby that they might be happier working for. Some have changed and stayed on, and some have not been able to and left.
He also gives a free concealed carry class for any resident (class size limitations apply of course) on a quarterly basis. He figures that the more people who are armed, the safer his town is.
I wish more cops were like him. Sadly that is becoming less and less common.