'An expectation of deference.'

“When he has the uniform on, Jim has an expectation of deference. But when he’s not in uniform, he’s just a regular guy.”

I don't care much about the Henry Louis Gates arrest. I have a feeling he's pompous and I also am completely sure that the cop give him a harder time because he's black. But the idea of a cop expecting 'deference', that bothers me. Last time I checked, cops are public servants, paid out of taxes. Servants, as far as I can tell, are supposed to give deference, not receive it. Instead, all-too-many cops seem to feel that wearing a badge gives them the right to swagger and push people around. I don't recall signing that particular contract.