Once you work for the "government" - either as an elected official or as an employee - you belong to a club whose primary motivation is to protect itself against outsiders. That is why people who campaign on ideals such as "term limits" never support legislation to enact term limits, etc.

I have always told my children to assume that the police are not your friends. If you allow yourself to be convinced that cops are "on your side" you might say something that they can and will use against you. It is the nature of the Beast to protect itself. The distinquished professor knew this and joined the fray. It's unfortunate stupidity on both sides.