Yep! The police unions hold massive sway over cities, media (especially local media) and politicians by threatening to simply stop enforcing laws if they don't get their way. They can then use the media and scare tactics to drive up "crime is out of control" narratives (see: 500 stories about shoplifting, "organized robberies" sweeping cities, etc), argue they need more funding by creating work stoppages and then wait for public opinion to come back around to their side.

Agree! But shouldn't they be able to lobby for themselves? Shouldn't the responsibility rest in the hands of the person with the power who is being lobbied to resist or to be fair?

Huh, the Police in the US are allowed to strike?

Must admit, that makes me realise some of the stereotypes I hold about American attitudes to unionism are in need of revision.

In most jurisdictions police can't literally strike. But it's tough to prevent them from calling in sick, or force them to actually work when out on patrol.