It is clear we differ over authority, but not as you describe.  You challenge it, I see it as a tool of civilization; like any tool, useful when used properly, dangerous when used improperly.   Abusus non tolit usum.   It is absurd to say that "Police have everything stacked in their favor".  And it is nonsense to say that they are a power unto themselves in the U.S.   They are, in point of fact, very different from soldiers and are not trained for war.   They are held accountable in many ways.    I will agree that they are indoctrinated to believe that their role is to protect the citizenry and to act heroically, but that seems to me that is a very good thing.