I wish I could agree with you and call that the bottom line and have that be the end of the story. But I don't agree. 80Kph said it well. Cops are humans too...they have their good and bad days also...the same way we do. Unfortunately...when they have bad days...they can take it out on us also as much as we can take our frustrations out on them.
I always respect the officer. I'm never stupid on the road. Yet I got defected one night while stuck on the monash, emergency lane, hazards blinking waiting for a tow truck to pick me up. He was a prick from start to finish. Why? Coz he can. I've had good cops also, don't get me wrong. But pricks are out there whether you like it or not. Despite what 80Kph says or thinks, respecting cops won't always get respect back.
And birds...you mentioned before all those people who have "never had a problem with cops before" -- I agree with you...I'm sure it's only just a matter of time...