In a dictatorship, the security chief is as unassailable as the head of an underworld mafia in times of freedom. As a rule, dictatorships guarantee safe streets and terror of the doorbell. In a democracy the streets may be unsafe after dark, but the most likely visitor in the early hours will be the milkman. Democracy is uncertainty, risk and responsibility, but it seldom enforces its policies through violence. You cease to be a citizen and become state property.
Dictatorships ever see themselves as saviours of the nation or guardians of the peace.
Every dictatorship is controlled by economics. If the economy collapses, the desperate come out onto the streets demanding bread. When the police begin to shoot they demand bread and freedom. Such is the natural order of things. Economic collapse leads to revolt born of despair, economic growth to rebellion born of aspiration.