Yes, for years some L.E. has referred to civilians, as "civilians". It is not deemed as an insult but as a method of seperateing the two. Fire Dept.s have been doing the same thing. Either group might under certain circumstances make the comment of "protecting the civilian population".
Some have, and will take it as an insult, to be refered to as a "civilian" regardless, and that is to be expected. Police, firemen, soldiers, are all members of a very structured organization with the police being "para military", as they are armed.
There are good cops, and bad cops, just like there are good and bad, auto workers, grocery men, soldiers, truck drivers, preachers, and baby sitters. To group them all into one catagory shows only the person grouping them, to be prejudiced one way, or the other, for what ever reason.