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"I looked into this once and came up with a ratio of about two cops killed by criminals for each innocent person killed by cops."

Even if your numbers are right, you have to admit that that's pretty bad. Especially since one at least stands a chance of defending one's self against a criminal.You can't against a cop. You can also at least avoid criminals (for the most part).

"I believe that your assertion that a person is far more likely to have a cop point a gun at them than a criminal is wrong as well. It might be correct in certain jurisdictions, or for certain groups, but overall... I don't see any evidence to support that contention."

Of all of the acquaintances I have had in my long lifetime,I have known of 6 or 7 that have had guns pointed at them by police (all traffic stops, except for one). ZERO by a criminals.

Even if your numbers are right, you have to admit that that's pretty bad. Especially since one at least stands a chance of defending one's self against a criminal.You can't against a cop. You can also at least avoid criminals (for the most part).

I don't think it is unreasonable for cops to defend themselves, and a ratio of two cops being killed by criminals for each innocent person being killed by cops indicates to me, on a very basic and pragmatic level, that society is coming out on top here. It is impossible to achieve, and unreasonable to expect, perfection.

Of all of the acquaintances I have had in my long lifetime,I have known of 6 or 7 that have had guns pointed at them by police (all traffic stops, except for one). ZERO by a criminals.

Using your criteria, I have searched my memory and found one relative who had a cop point a gun at him (he was being arrested) and one who was assaulted during an armed robbery (two criminals pointed guns at him and a friend). To be absolutely truthful, I have had quite a few citizens point guns at me, but they were all unintentional mistakes, and I don't think that is what you are talking about.

You are quite correct when you note that crime is essentially confined to a small area of the country. John Lott notes that 70% of murders occur in 3.5% of the counties in the country.

I find that most cops are decent human beings who suffer from the occupational hazard of being suspicious of most people they come into contact with. It is especially bad in the large metropolitan areas, which is why there is a certain American genius in having most cops be locally controlled.