You’re right, though. Communication should be established at the location of the reported incident. But that’s so much like what our fathers did and so boring...and potentially dangerous. Try to talk to residents, and they might open fire. And look who would get hit, standing out there in the wide open space, three feet wide and unable to move fast.
The taxpayers now have to foot the bill for another fearful cretin with a badge. Eliminate their immunity from civil action, just as doctors have to carry malpractice insurance, police officers should be required to carry professional liability insurance as a condition of employment. Can’t find an insurance company willing to insure you...find another line of work.