How many law enforcement officers does it take to change a light bulb?

Only one if they’re also a teacher.

Otherwise, as many as can gather to keep any civilians from changing the bulb, while waiting for all the other bulbs to burn out.

That’s the problem. Before assuming cowardice, let’s consider the issue of personal intiative vs. the possible consequences from bucking the chain. Of course, if you arrive at a scene already flooded with cops, you are going to assume someone there better apprised of the situation than yourself. You are also entitled to assume the man or woman with rank to make the decision on which hang the lives of all involved. We’ve all heard that fortune favors the bold, and the one about he who hesitates. But God knows, combat training aside, I would be hesitant about assaulting a building filled with kids. That there were 400 people confronted with such a situation would matter not one bit regarding the enormity of any decision involved.

Apparently the one in charge never gave the command.
I had seen videos of parents held back from going in to save their children.
Heartrenching, as for sure I wouldn’t care and push my way in for any of my children.

Leos and others who serve – like the armed forces – are well-trained not to take things into their own hands, but to wait for the commanding officer to give orders. Not that that’s always the correct thing and I’m not defending anyone, just sayin’.

It depends on the situation. If you want to put 60 bullets in a Black man, you need a lot of cops!

This was most certainly a procedural failure.

Trick question here.
They don’t change bulbs, they break them to give them just cause to pull you over.