[G.Mason]

"That isn't presence of mind, it's cowardice. These cops were doing their job--ANYONE interfering should have been dealt with.

They SHOULD have taken cover and responded with fire for that reason and also to FORCE an an "incident." "

That is exactly my take. After all ... what good is a garbage man that is afraid to dispose of the garbage?

[DirtyHarryY2K]

Isn't there an Army Base right there?

I think Ft Bliss is an Army Air Base.