Why do we expect law enforcement to abide by the rules, but never object to the people who are breaking the rules?

I view this very much like our rules of engagement in the middle east. The good guys have rules, the bad guys don't.
The difference is, when the good guys break the rules, they are reviewed, investigated, and if needed prosecuted for their actions. When the bad guys break the rules, they are celebrated.

Not every "shoot" is a good one, even if proper procedures and excalation of force is employed. At the end of the day, the man with a gun has to decide if he is going to employ his weapon system to deal with a threat.

The kid in Cleaveland had a reealistic looking toy gun that he was brandishing and threatening people with. The cops shot him.

The big guy in Staten Island was sellling cigarettes illegaly and resisted arrest. The cop called for assistance, knowing he couldn't handle a man that big alone, all the while trying to talk him into cooperating. It didn't work, he resisted arrest, and due to his own health conditions, unfortunately died as a result.

The kid in Ferguson had robbed a convenience store, and when confronted by police, made an attempt at his gun and charged the officer, all the while being told to stop. He didn't, and was shot.

All were tragedies, but in my mind the common denominator is don't mess with a man with a gun.

Each and every one of those officers will have to live with the knowledge that they took a life. Just like many Soldiers do. Sometimes it was justified, even "right". Sometimes it is more gray than that.

I know law enforcement can abuse their position. Most of the time, this is not the case.One of the recent situations was an excessive use of force. The other, was, in my view, justified.

I find it noteworthy that we never seem to become outraged over the conduct of the people who very often are the catalyst for the actions of law enforcement.