So it appears difficult to define what good 'policing' looks like during a riot. We've seen a few good examples, but I don't see these success stories being implemented on a large scale.
I wonder where things would go if some large city just said, screw it, we are not going to police this crap so have at it. Do protesters continue to burn and loot crap with complete disregard. Or, without being incensed by police, do they protest in a more peaceful fashion with only isolated incidents of aforementioned burning/looting?
Without the police, you probably have civilians start to take matters into their own hands to protect their livelihood/property/businesses. That, you don't want as some folks are not going to show much restraint.
Bottom line, nothing is going to fix this right now. You could charge, convict, and give the 4 cops the death sentence and nothing would change come Friday night in Oakland. You could institute all the legislative crap you want and folks are still going to 'riot not rally.'