The issue here is that these departments are not complying with elected officials and laws. The individual has an obligation to not-comply a with an illegal order and blow the whistle so the public can weigh in. The department should faithfully implement the instructions of the public.

For example if the whole department really thinks that the requirement for the police to report their surveillance equipment is unconstitutional, they they should all quit and tell the public about this apparent grand violation of their right as police officers to secretly spy on the public.