[shotgun]

People forget that most police work is reactive in nature in that a crime occurs, someone phones it in, then they respond. It is rare when they see the actual crime and prevent it any further.

[Paladin2]

The cops are good when they round up the perps and are allowed by the courts to put them away.

The Boy Scouts' Motto: "Be Prepared" has never been more relevant (or reverent - YMMV).