The idea
There have been several occasions in which I have encountered the police using laws to direct action rather than guidance, suggestion, or any form of wisdom. What they should be saying is, you can't do that, becuase such and such a reason. Instead, we get "you can't do that, because that's the way it is", often in a very arrogant, very non-bending, very non-understanding or unhelpful way.
Here are some examples; I have been retained for hours in peaceful protest situations under 'terrorism laws', completely misused, and in turn creating frustration and abuse. In similar situations, I have been told to move away from the pavement, or simply away from having a decent conversation under "blockage of public passageway" instructions. I have been told I couldn't wait for a friend on the other side of a passport queue in an airport, and when I did, was questioned for 40 minutes and held by the police while they did an identity check on me. I tell you, that made me feel very unhappy about coming back to britain from relatively relaxed scandinavia.
There are many things that could make the police more human. walking or getting about by bicycles instead of cars (like rudeboys in the hood) would help. Using contextual, situational (e.g. more human) guidance for control rather than the use of laws would be good. Perhaps having policing as a more community (elected?) group would be fantastic.
Why is it important?
Because at the moment, policing is a tad orwellian. Identity checks, terrorism laws, and some pretty mean characters on the force make them generally (and I admit there are many exceptions) unnaproachable bunch.