You need to have a feel for why things are done the way they are. In addition, you are an employee of government. You are a part of government. You need to know what the issues are and how governments work. Finally, whatever else police work is, it is work with people.
Police departments work for city governments, and for the citizens at large.
Police officers also work with other officers and law enforcement agencies. Officers must know how to work in teams. And, officers must understand crime and criminals. What it comes down to, is people and the skills you have in managing your relationships with them. This is especially critical for a department of about 200 officers and civilians.