The easy standard that police should use in their behavior borrows from Matthew 7:12.
In short, police should not do anything that they would arrest someone else for doing. That simple.
“In short, police should not do anything that they would arrest someone else for doing. That simple.”
That simplistic. You DO realize that bad people do not always cooperate? That cops carry guns and billy clubs for a reason? Remember what Paul wrote to the Romans:
“Every Christian ought to obey the civil authorities, for all legitimate authority is derived from God’s authority, and the existing authority is appointed under God. To oppose authority then is to oppose God, and such opposition is bound to be punished.
The honest citizen has no need to fear the keepers of law and order, but the dishonest man will always be nervous of them. If you want to avoid this anxiety just lead a law-abiding life, and all that can come your way is a word of approval. The officer is God’s servant for your protection. But if you are leading a wicked life you have reason to be alarmed. The “power of the law” which is vested in every legitimate officer, is no empty phrase. He is, in fact, divinely appointed to inflict God’s punishment upon evil-doers.”