In Spain, the old ´power mentality´ of the security forces is dying too slowly and unfortunately the common ´uniform complex´ also applies here.  We obviously have cases of police abuse and I am glad that they are usually reported and prosecuted.  An even better sign is that abuses perpetrated on immigrants begin to show up on the news, but I am happy you cannot claim either:

I did what I would have done in the US: follow the cops to see if anyone was arrested, if they needed help, if they were being beaten.

Didn't your mamma ever tell you 'when you see trouble, go the other way'?  But I get the feeling you found the adventure you came looking for and you are almost disappointed it wasn´t worse.

In fact, in my brief experience prison in Spain is better than in the US-more privacy, less aggression, better food.  ...

Amazingly, after just a few days, the struggling, broke collectives of Barcelona were able to raise the 30,000 euros and get me out of Modelo, back on the streets.

I am sure you will continue to have a good time because Barcelona is a great city, but try to join non-violent groups because they actually have a bigger impact in making changes for the better.  

If you have good ideas on how we can speed up the justice system and get rid of idiot judges, please let me know, or post on eurotrib.com

Our knowledge has surpassed our wisdom. -Charu Saxena.