We also need to disabuse their idea they are not civilians.
I live in FBI and cop central near Quantico and these civilian government numb nuts always talk about them vs civilians. I always remind them they are civilians as well. They are civilian law enforcement and nothing more. I even have to remind Sheriff deputies they are not some special group and they are civilian as well.
When they convince themselves and the taxpayers they are special and not like the rest of the civilian citizens they become extra-judicial thugs and petty tyrants.
They may be ex-military in some cases but traditionally we call them “officers of the peace” or something like that.
Since 9/11 this push towards some sort of militarized police authoritarian state here in the USA thanks W.