Remember - to 99% of cops we are civilians not citizens.
They refer to us amongst each other as civilians.
The militarization of local police departments has had awful effects on society. Just look at how many cops interact with the public. Its like a master-servant relationship.
It's a mixed bag. I've known many cops over the course of my life, both as a "suspect" and as friends. I can't recall one unfair interaction in my personal life.
I also observe that "Cop Mentality" is not fiction, and your take is right on the money. The more power and control you offer or give to a cop, the more his pupils dilate.