But we’re not talking about bright line corruption here. We’re talking about police being nicer and more lenient to their in-groups: veterans, other cops, emts, firefighters, personal friends, family, politicians they like, police union reps, the clerk at the Dunkin’ Donuts that always adds a shot of espresso on the house.

The cards are literally corruption and bleh, but being friendly with the cops (or anyone) getting you special treatment sometimes is a human thing.

> But we’re not talking about bright line corruption here.

Yes, we are. A public official doing a law-related favor for someone based on their group affiliation is exactly what corruption is.

> being friendly with the cops (or anyone) getting you special treatment sometimes is a human thing.

That is not a universe anyone should have to live in. If you miss out on an extra baked good because you're not buddies with the baker, it's no big deal. If a cop treats you more harshly because you're not a friend of the police, that is a big deal.

Bakers can't deprive you of your life and freedom. Cops can.

Again, cops are capable of depriving you of life and liberty. There is a big difference between getting favorable treatment by your baker, and by the armed representative of the state.