What happened out there was wrong. Nevertheless, I know a lot of cops, and I wouldn't be surprised if most of them could run circles around you intellectually.
I doubt that. There's one basic problem that most cops have, not all of them, but most. That what I and others have called the "Cop Mentality". It is exhibited by calling all non-cops "civilians" in a derogatory tone, and also tending to demonstrate a Superiority Attitude. Kinda like your retort to Fred.
Cops aren't all Good Guys, no matter how much we want them to be, or how much they tout that they are. Don't forget, the FBI is in effect an Agency of Cops.
And my brother was a cop.