"I think to be a police officer in a society where firearms are so common "brutality" would be a must on any officer's CV."

No sorry can't go along with that. Firmness and assertiveness I'd imagine are a necessity when the occasion warrants it but there is no excuse or justification for brutality.

I must admit we were probably sheltered in the Scottish Borders in the 70s where everyone, even the troublemakers, got on reasonably well with the local police. However we got a sharp dose or reality one night in Newcastle in the late 70s. Three of us walked out of a pub and a policeman gestured to one of my mates to come over which he did. The policeman then grabbed my mate by the collar and rattled his head off the top of the police car. He then turned round to us and pointing said "there's plenty of room in the cells for you tonight". It was totally unprovoked and I honestly can't think we were doing anything to warrant their attention never mind that kind of assault. They then moved off leaving my mate in quite a shocked state, though thankfully not seriously harmed, but he wanted to just go home after that. Thuggery is thuggery whether you are a policeman or not.