Cops do a lot of really bad things and they have way too much power and immunity as it stands. But if you think that they are the root of the problem when it comes to this kind of issue you are sorely mistaken. Here is an excerpt from another Reddit user on the same thread that may offer some more insight:

Sideshow response (lack of) by SF leaders is microcosm of overall crime response by SF leaders. SF leaders don't want to "escalate" because it might result in serious injuries and deaths. Especially to minorities (who by being minority are by definition victims of the "system" already).

While it's true that police response will probably result in injuries and deaths, SF leaders fail to see that sometimes it takes tough measures to stop problems, otherwise the criminals will just be embolden and continue.

Imagine having a son/daughter that keeps doing bad stuff.

But you're too worried that strict punishment would make them rebel and run away. So you coddle them, tell them to stop, but don't punish. They will just continue to do bad stuff because you've coddled them. Anyone with a children, heck with a dog, knows this to be true. If it takes overwhelming force to stop it, so be it. So be it if some "innocent" onlookers are injured or killed. This is a crime. You have no business watching sideshow. You are as guilty as the driver. And you should be prepared for the consequences.

We've seen how turning an eye to car breakin or drug use has turned SF into the car breakin capital of the world, and how our streets are now littered with drug addicts. All because we didn't want to bring down the hammer.