Is this in the US or do people in many other Western countries share that suspicion? I'm in Australia and whenever I've dealt with police, they've always been very professional and reasonable. Firm when necessary, but accommodating and flexible when someone was trying to explain their actions, for example.

Got pulled over and warned for (barely) speeding in Texas once. Based on US cop horror stories I'd read, I was so nervous I was almost shaking but the guy was perfectly polite and friendly.