Well, it's a "great job" only if you want to be in the "First Responder business." My wife has better pay and benefits for answering a phone all day, and no one shoots at her. The same personality attributes that make someone want this type of job are part of the problem.

IMO, you need to remember who you are dealing with when you encounter these guys and operate at their level (they are probably not capable of operating at your level). You may not be dealing with the sharpest tool in the shed, these guys need to maintain their authority because that's their only advantage in most situations. They are trained to maintain the upper hand by "intimidation," so let them stay in character and play the game. If you push them out of their little comfort zone, they will probably push back and you will end up wasting your time. Somebody has to do the job, just be glad it isn't you and move on with your life.