[DakotaGator]

Your; "The police though have the state and their union backing them and (generally) know how to use the process better. They also have apparent authority that smooths over the process in many instances.

Indeed. Importantly, sworn officers posses "sovereign immunity" from prosecution as agents of the state. Regular citizens do not. This is not absolute. But it is a huge difference.

[piytar]

Excellent point.