I appreciate the positive and constructive outlook and for that I value your contribution. Your wife seems like she's being the change we want to see in less-than-stellar HR departments, but I think to consider the benefits of HR from the employee POV just isn't safe unless you're absolutely certain where the priorities lie for your local HR team.

The phrase "cops of the company" is an even more accurate term in the sense that while some cops may actually believe in serving their community, many perhaps most do not, and trusting one is hazardous to your health. A good HR department does care about employees and the company, but how does an employee know that they have one of the good ones? I feel like this is something you don't really know until you lean upon it such as when disagreements occur, and then either the rickety post will hold or you fall flat on your face. Me? I'm not leaning on that rickey post any more than I would willingly speak to a "friendly" neighborhood police officer. Your job isn't a place for trust. It's business. That HR person could be your wife, or they could be the kind to shoot first and ask questions later.

I don't have a problem with my local PD nor do I have any issues with my HR, but I definitely don't want a visit from either.