Final answer:
When unable to strike due to legal and societal constraints, police officers generally rely on their unions to negotiate through collective bargaining, as strikes by essential public sector workers can be illegal and disruptive to society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Because police strikes are highly controversial and sometimes illegal, police officers usually take action by waiting for their union to intervene on their behalf. Rather than striking, which can disrupt societal functioning, officers may allow their labor union to engage in collective bargaining with employers to negotiate better terms for wages and working conditions. Striking in the public sector, including policing, is typically illegal due to the essential services they provide, which if halted, could harm public order and safety.