I think this points out the mentality of many of our police administrators. While I fully agree a hard hand is often required, there are also times when the soft approach is best. For the most part, I think most police officers are honorable people, and serve to protect all citizens, but among them are many brutal, inconsiderate individuals hell bent on using force in everything they do. I don’t know how accurate the police are portrayed in “Cops” or similar police documentaries, but all too often, in my opinion, they take action much too harsh for the circumstances.
I support and applaud the police for the job they do, but realize there are many weirdos on the force looking to hurt or abuse someone. As a young cop once told me, “I look for the opportunity to burst someone’s snot locker.” Sad thing, he often did, and most always got away with doing it.