What does Herman Goldstein mean when he says that the police by the very nature of their function are an anomaly in a free society?

Answer 1

Herman Goldstein argues that the police, by their very nature, represent an anomaly in a free society because their role involves exercising authority and coercion, which can conflict with individual freedoms and democratic principles. The necessity of maintaining public order often requires the suspension of certain liberties, leading to a tension between the need for security and the values of freedom and autonomy. This duality raises questions about the legitimacy of police power and the potential for abuse, challenging the balance between safety and civil rights in a democratic society.