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Originally Posted by molson
Does the NRA generally criticize local law enforcement? Politically, that doesn't really seem like its in their lane. They're generally very pro-police as that plays to well to their base.
My quick Google search only shows examples of them not liking when law enforcement agencies are outspoken about supporting gun control.
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They recently blamed the Parkland shooting on police. Most laws the NRA opposes like uniform background checks, restrictions on interstate transfer, and open/concealed carry are heavily opposed by local law enforcement. The NRA fought for to keep "cop killer" bullets legal despite heavy opposition from police.
Then you have the 90's which their marketing strategy largely centered around being anti-government. There was frequent talks about how a war had started. They portrayed law enforcement wearing Nazi helmets and stormtrooper uniforms in ads. LaPierre had some famous quotes about law enforcement too:
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The semiauto-auto ban gives jack-booted government thugs more power to take away our constitutional rights, break in our doors, seize our guns, destroy our property, and even injure or kill us.
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If you have a badge you have the government’s go-ahead to harass, intimidate, even murder law-abiding citizens.
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Shortly after that, former NRA member Timothy McVeigh went on to blow up the Murrah building. I believe right after that is when George HW Bush famously tore up his NRA card (one of those "jack-booted Nazi thugs" that were blown up was one of Bush's friends).
They definitely do put on a good face in support of law enforcement while opposing them from a legislative and philosophical front. Like you said, they know that some bootlicking is needed to placate a base that's all about it.