The problem is that cops are supposed to arrest and bring suspects to safety, regardless whether their guilt is rock solid or not. The judges and juries are supposed to determine that part based on the evidence, not the cops. So.. (sigh.)
Actually their priority is not the suspects safety, but the safety of innocents and themselves. The suspects safety is secondary and generally in the suspects hands.
The suspect puts his/her safety into their own hands. LEO's will tell you they value the safety of innocent by-standers higher than the suspects and their own safety. The last thing LEO's want to happen is for some innocent person to get clipped or killed.