Would they persue the victim if the victim shot the carjacker? Thats how you know its bullshit when they say "only following orders to stand down". If they'll arrest victims of crime for defending themselves, but wont arrest violent criminals, then the police are violent criminals too. Know what kind of police department is in your area, and whether they have reliable men in them. But frankly the solution is not to rely on them at all if it can be helped.