There is an "us and them" attitude in all cohesive groups. Soldiers associate with other soldiers, teachers with other teachers, mechanics with other mechanics. You share interests and activities so you have something to talk about besides the weather. I have a brother who is a retired LEO. At one of his birthday parties, cops and families were present. It was, effectively, two parties. On the other hand, we hunt with cops and interact well when we have a common goal.
Cops see more of the dark side, but others see it also. Cops, because of their career choice to supervise society, occasionally see themselves as being in charge over all, but most just see themselves as doing a job that is necessary . We, being American citizens, hate to be told what to do or not do. It is a messy system that somehow manages to work.