I was particularly interested in the point that the chap made on the BBC News item last night (I can’t remember his name) , that: in many walks of public life, many ‘professions’ tend to ‘close ranks’ when there is trouble / ‘external threat’.
OK, the Police have a particular remit to uphold the law in pursuit of trying to encourage (proactively and reactively) others in society to do the same (uphold the law). But as CL says, what makes (or should make?) an individual working for the Police in any way markedly significantly different in 'mindset' from any other person serving the public at large? Be they a nurse/doctor, technician/engineer, legal aider/lawyer, bank worker/banker, journalist/editor, policeman-woman/police constable, etc. Dan you've offered one suggestion.
But, why do we (different collective professions in public life) 'in general' (yes, I hate that condition / proviso too Stick) tend to close ranks when a minority rocks the boat? Even when the majority may not actually agree at all with what the minority are doing / have done? Has there been any scientific research on this phenomenon? Is it just an inertia think - not wanting to stick ones head above the parapet? It happens with Whistleblowers in many walks of public life - they often get alienated / disowned / persecuted by their own.

Curious, just interested.