Enforcing the law becomes a lot harder when a community lacks trust in you, and kids who don't trust police officers turn into adults who don't trust police officers, and teach their children the same thing.

Bog-standard "if you get lost and separated from your parents" child-advice is to ask for help from exactly such figures as police, with the idea that this would protect them from ostensibly less savory options

I certainly don't tell my child that, and I don't know of any American parents who do.

Police represent the interests of the state, not the interests of my child.

> I don't know of any American parents who do.

Really?

https://www.allprodad.com/things-your-child-should-know-when... > The best people to seek out would be the police, security guards, the fire department, and store management and employees. If these can’t be found, teach them to seek a mom with young children.

http://achildsworldnc.com/teach-kids-case-get-lost/ > Advise children that if they need assistance they should only approach someone such as a security guard, police officer or someone who is clearly a member of the staff.

I mean, I know these are just random internet things -- but I vaguely remember that advice even being in kids' books when I was growing up.

I remember receiving that advice as well, but would be less likely to perpetuate it given the frequency of weaponization of the State against parents. If I knew the community, I might advise the latter.

> I mean, I know these are just random internet things -- but I vaguely remember that advice even being in kids' books when I was growing up.

Yes, I think it used to be common. But I don't think it is nearly as much so now.