These are rogue cops. They swore to uphold the law and turned on it. They're capable of anything, especially when their backs are against the wall.
9 seconds sound clip from The Master (1984) - Rogues (S1E12) sitcom.
You can hear this line at 00:39:02.650 in the Blu-ray version of the TV Series.
Quote context
[...]
- Listen, can I say something?
- These guys we're up against this time. Loring and his pals.
- I don't know. It just feels different this time.
- I guess what I'm saying is that I'm scared. More than usual. For me, for you. For Talia and Jerry.
- This one is different. This isn't the same danger that you bargained for.
- I'd hate to miss putting them there.
- Look, this arrangement we have may have started out as a... What did you call it? A quid pro quo.
- Which is why, if you're even thinking I'm gonna sit this one out, you're about a mile off base.
[...]