It is really an extension of the "Don't talk to cops" rule[1].

I wish I lived in a world where I trusted the police.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8z7NC5sgik

You live in a world where you can trust police, however you're not in the right country. In most western european countries, the police is actually very reasonable. There are bad apples, for sure, but it's the exception, not the rule.

>There are bad apples

People say this about the police frequently, but seemingly just as frequently forget the tail end of the saying!

This confuses me because it is used in defense of the police. With the full expression in mind, the saying perfectly describes the situation we are in (in America) today. We should be very concerned about the "bad apples", due to the strength of police unions, friendships with DA's, the "Thin Blue Line" etc.

You (and the other commenter) are right, of course; I do know that. I was using that as a turn of phrase in a context where it was inappropriate. When I visit friends and family in Europe, I'm very aware of the stark difference.

You can't trust and should never talk to the police in the US. I think it's a "western country".

This seems to only be a problem in the US. It's definitely not a problem in Canada or Europe. It seems like it's becoming more and more clear that America is on a very different and worse path compared to other developed Western countries.

It's not a problem in Australia/NZ either.

Was the officer in the article invited into the backyard? When police jump the fence I'm not sure stopping at the front door helps.