We need law enforcement, certainly, and there are some good cops in most jurisdictions.
I must say, though, that my experience has not been very positive since we moved to Vermont. The cops have a LOT of time to troll for speeding tickets. When funds are low, they will give them out for exceeding the limit by one mile an hour. But they show absolutely no interest in investigating real crimes.
Among the crimes in our area that they have failed to pursue, I know of a stolen car, an armed robbery at the general store, and someone who has been going around shooting dogs in people's yards--two killed so far. They don't have time to investigate any of that, and they frankly admit it.
1 Mile over? Here in Chicago that would be laughed out of Court!