Oh I know.
The function of the police is to gather evidence and apprehend suspects to be prosecuted by the state.
That is why, if you were to phone any police station and say that you are about to be harmed, many of them will not respond until you have been harmed, unfortunately.
But most cops I know are still good cops, and will often go beyond their obligations and try and do something if they see somebody about to try and harm somebody else.
Exactly correct.
If you say someone told you that they are coming over with a gun to shoot you they will NOT be right there to protect you - but they will be there after you are shot - and have a pretty good idea who did it.
Most Police officers are fine as individuals. Around here they are an ongoing criminal conspiracy (L.A.), but all in all better at managing the criminality they profit from than the gangs would be.