Why are police given such light punishments?

its not justifiable. and the light punishments are no different than spoiling a bad child. they know they can get away with it, so they do it. some might think bc they lay thier life on teh line everyday, that they are then excused when doing wrong. as if it balances out. but i personally think that if the man who is to protect us from harm, causes us harm them the punishment should be more harsh than that of a normal person. bc that officer KNOWS better. you have the criminals who are mostly morons then you have a sworn officer who must uphold the law. no no no, the punishment should be harder bc he is supposed to be a role model.