Serve and Protect?

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The police are meant to serve and protect, right? Then please answer me this: (true story about my friend) His car broke down in the middle of the afternoon, so he pushed it over to the side of the road, following safety precautions he turned on his hazard lights and was calling for help when a police officer pulls up and asks if he needs any assistance (serving). He answers "No thanks. I'm calling for help now." with his cell phone visibly up to his ear. This officer proceeds to take my friend's name and personal information and run them. First of all, he has auto insurance which he could show proof of if/when asked. The next thing you know, he is informed that he has an outstanding ticket that there is now a warrant in effect for nonpayment of (the ticket was for his dog running loose in the neighborhood ~ not a traffic violation or serious crime). Now, my friend, who is already having a crappy day (car broke down) is being hauled off to jail and his automobile will be impounded! What right did the officer have to run his name? He was following safety precautions and already told the officer he didn't need any help 'service'. You wonder why so many people don't trust authority figures? I, personally, don't trust anyone with so much power. I had an experience with a different friend, where the police were totally wrong and there was proof but the courts held the officer in much higher regard, so she didn't have a leg to stand on. (because the officer broke it, figuratively) This is another whole story though ; ) What about the police having to meet a quota each month? That doesn't seem right either.