I'm not convinced that the unfortunate part was the solid equipment and power of the police.

There were human beings making dumb decisions involved. In general, I'd like to say that there's too much brainless and idiotic activity in law enforcement. People get hurt that don't need to. Laws are enforced that shouldn't be. Courts have the power to compel the presence of individuals and they use it without regard to the freedom and well-being of those individuals.

But... that's the legal system. And, overall, it's one of the better ones in history. It has the Roman republic beat, at least.