The discussion about police needs an important fact reiterated, police, by definition and charter are not tasked with PREVENTING or STOPPING crime (even in progress), only to enforce and deliver to the judiciary those that HAVE broken the law...otherwise, they could be held liable for NOT preventing or stopping crime. While intervening during a crime, or protecting property/life, or preventing/deterring crime is valuable, and is done as it makes the actual chartered role easier/more effective, it is not a requirement. That's why I get sick of the "why do you need to defend yourself, that's what the police are for" argument, it's both obviously, and legally wrong.