A lot of this crap with hiring of roid heads and control freaks starts at the top with mayors, city councilmen/managers.
I just moved to a little conservative town and the cops here want to be involved and get to know you, but in a very passive way. Nothing but good conversations at the store and gas pumps so far. They all seem to have a sense of humor and I think they really love their jobs here (we have next to no crime other than speeding). They stay out of my business, I am still getting used to that. It’s almost surreal.
The so called war on drugs has promoted the expansion of police power and tactics.