We don't have to go far here because it boils down to the basics, training, and funding. Like I said, better salaries and benefits will attract more qualified personnel. Next, more funding allows for better/more training. Until those are addressed, things will continue to go no where.
One thing makes me laugh though from that article:
"While national legislation would likely only complicate matters further, local or state-wide ballot propositions should allow the public—not the police—to define reasonable use of force."
No. Once again, as exhibited in many places, some people believe that when you become a LEO your life is forfeit, and that you have no right to defend yourself, or to do your job effectively. Sure, all LEO's take an oath, but if you think for one minute that a cop is going to lose his life over some scumbag breaking even a minor law, forget that. You are going to lose even MORE good, smart officers, who know they can't even defend themselves anymore. Good luck with that.
Do some cops target minorities? Sure. But some people do that in all positions/job types in this world. Do other cops just target and hate scumbags of any color? Yep. And are some just bitter with the thankless job they do to get bad-mouthed by better than thous? Yes.
You want a better police force? Then put your money where your mouth is and pay up the tax dollars. Check "yes" on your next ballot to giving additional funding to law enforcement instead of whittling away at their salaries and equipment. "Naw, just let them try to get another year or two out of that old vest that already expired".
... if only we, the general tax-paying public, had learned our lesson, this alleged untaxed cigarette seller would not have died.