David, I would never attempt to suggest a good knowledge of the internal workings of places like LA, Chicago, Seattle, and behemoths like those - those are vastly different worlds (Though, it doesn't stop the pea-brained macho types from always believing their department is the toughest.  We once had a veteran officer from LA County come to our department and this macho fool that "trained" him for here told him to forget everything he learned in LA County because he was about to be taught anew).

As for the Feds, for a couple of reasons, we also didn't care too much for the Feds.  One reason was for them to be involved in cases it was like they had to have an obvious slam dunk case.  For example, in bank robbery cases, if there wasn't someone in custody, identifiable video of the suspect, or fingerprints and DNA, then they would pass on them quickly.

And coppers that did straight investigative work day in and day out typically weren't impressed with their investigative skills  (they loved the potential for tools, technology, and such, but not face-to-face investigations).  Then, quite often their arrogance wasn't much help.

But I believe you and I both know the real reasons the FEDS are hated so much out there in LA - fear of consent decrees and deep up-the-ass investigations whether warranted or not, and the possibility of harsh penalties.  FEDS also seem to be unable to see things in shades of gray and more in black and with sharp edges.

Sadly, at the end of the day, these organizations take their cues and develop their personality from the top, higher administrators, and supervisors, and if these clods run around encouraging the loosening of the dogs, then that is what the culture will be like.