You have to 'box clever' in regards to the criminal justice system in this country. A handy acronym - JAPAN = Justified, Appropriate, Proportionate, Auditable, Necessary. Fulfilling this as accurately as possible should keep you on the straight and narrow.
In terms of budget cuts the police have been absolutely decimated. Cutting jobs, pay and some very effective specialist units. Its very difficult to maintain motivation when ridiculous legislation and a poorly run government intrude on the way the job is done.
If things carry on the way they are I have no doubt people will take things into their own hands more and more. Just be aware a little accurate knowledge of the law is a powerful thing!