I made the assumption that the reason for the stop was to serve an arrest warrant. (Giving the cop the benefit of the doubt) I stand firmly behind the officer's choice to be cautious in the line of duty, as quite of few of them are killed while doing so.
I did not intend to defend the reason for the stop. I think it's obsurd.
It is certainly their choice to treat their fellow citizens the way they do. No doubt about it. It is then their decision to ask the public to treat them the same way in return.
When they look the other way when they see fellow officers violate the law, doing the same thing they write up normal citizens for, their motive is not enforcing the law. It is rather to take money from the people, under the guise of pretending to equally enforce the law.
You may think otherwise but I think it says volumes about their morals. Again it's the golden rule, treat others as you would have them treat you.