sacred/privileged status(es)

Why did it take so long for the truth about Tulia to come out?
Because we place an inordinate amount of trust in the position of law
enforcement officer - we give the occupier of that status tremendous leeway
in making assertions, presenting evidence, et. We do not, however provide
common citizens (especially minority citizens) with that same implicit trust
or leeway about making assertions, presenting evidence, etc. so, it is the
status that is the crucial factor in determining whom to believe.