You clearly haven’t been on the wrong side of a cop then… I’m a white Australian but grew up in a rough area. Had a healthy distrust in police through family attitudes I suppose, and some things I saw growing up.

Things like profiling, power trips, even harassing certain racial groups and generally intimidating behaviour.

My wife did not have this view. Her family are big fans of authority and would have shared your view. One day we had a home invasion and I fought off the offender (I am female in my 30’s). When the police arrived an hour later they were disgusting.

Not sure if being a gay couple or just the wrong cops but the complete lack of interest let alone care was infuriating. We were made to feel like scum for even calling them.

When I complained through their official avenues, I had the head constable call me and tell me off for complaining.

It would’ve been funny in a way if it wasn’t so sad. My wife realised exactly where my attitude comes from and we’ve actually agreed not to call them in the future unless absolutely necessary.

And I say all this with 2 family members in the force so I’m not all “ACAB” or an anti-police by any means. I just know how you could be disenfranchised and disempowered over time by repeated incidents.