I am about to release an article on this subject. No doubt about some cops getting higher paid side work, overtime, etc. However, I'm an anti-Capitalist, so I do not believe workers should have to get overturn to earn a living wage. A job like police officer should be civil servant, over 100K, degreed in both criminal justice and psychology with an overall spirit of service, and defusing situations, rather than intimidation.

The history of police in America has been slave fathers and armed protection for the upper class. Again, Steinbeck based his observations of the police having been an experienced reporter during the Great Depression. Travels with Charlie, and the Grapes of Wrath both had descriptions of police.