We live in a "quiet" Maui County neighborhood where the bulk of the calls we make are for firearms/hunting violations or domestic violence.  The only result is that when the police finally arrive 45 minutes later, the problem is over for the evening but arrests are never made.  Both of the above types of violations are as often performed  by the police as by private citizens, so they are reluctant to get too vigorous for fear of getting in trouble themselves.  There are so many bad apples that it is impossible to know if you are dealing with an honest cop or a perp.  

As I told our son, many years ago, the most dangerous social encounter he is likely to have is with a police officer.  All you know about him is that he is armed and dangerous...you know nothing of his sobriety, state of mind, family problems, etc.  Obvious submission is the only strategy to survival...you hope.