Police (and significant politicians and, to a lesser extent, firefighters) have a terrifying amount of immunity: basically if they don't commit grievous bodily

Police (and significant politicians and, to a lesser extent, firefighters) have a terrifying amount of immunity: basically if they don't commit grievous bodily harm (and sometimes even if they do) they aren't going to get punished. Historically we've relied on cultural norms to moderate abuse of this outrageous privilege, with varying levels of success. As that cultural restraint goes by the wayside it appears, unfortunately, that things will get uglier. Naked power unmoderated by a strong culture is extremely dangerous, as Burke tried to tell us.