They are on your side if you are on the company's side. E.g. sorting out equipment issues, leave requests, forms, etc. If the on-boarding process is little to non-existent, the HR might be someone who takes care of you during the first couple of weeks until you get your wheels turning.

When I was just starting my career, I did. I think a lot of people assume that they are there to help and protect you.

Sniff. I remember when I was young and naive too. Actually, it may have been mostly true thirty years ago, before the workplace became a minefield.

There's nowhere that teaches you this lesson except hard experience. I found out when I was accused of theft by security at my office.

Just like the government...

Frankly I'd trust the government more than I'd trust an HR rep. At least in the government you have people who believe they work for the citizens of the US.

Well perhaps the previous administration anyways...