Your view of policemen seems extreme.
Ask yourself; Is it based on personal experience?? or could it be based on media reports (Keep in mind that media reports only cover the extreme examples)
I've encountered some macho cops but I think, as a rule, they are doing the best they can, just like most Americans.
Hey Nancy, I'm a former cop. Each officer takes an oath to defend the constitution, not cover his ass.
I have many friends that are fine police officers. I also see new officers come on the force each year. The younger they are, the less they understand that they should not follow unlawful orders or violate the constitution.
You're statements in defense of street cops prior to post #73 are just another version of the Nazi war crimes defense of "I was only following orders." I'm sorry but that just doesn't cut it. It isn't some faceless chief or politico who is breaking in a door, serving a search warrant without the affidavit and just plain violating law-abiding citizen's rights - it's a street cop.
Each officer, when faced with the choice of violating the constitution or following orders should default in favor of preserving the constitution.
Hell, it isn't really a choice.