The flaw in the argument is that Inspector Harry Callaghan doesn't exist and never did. He's a misplaced Wyatt Earp- only not the real Wyatt Earp (who was a pretty dodgy character) but the Wyatt Earp of legend. No actual human being was ever so selfless and incorruptible- or so good with a handgun.
In real life Harry's way leads to Abu Ghraib.
What is it with America and superheroes? Why this recurring fantasy of the untouchable crime fighter?
They say you can't make a great movie from a lousy script. Dirty Harry is proof you can. That shot where we whoosh away from the misty stadium is pure genius.
Did you notice all the religious imagery- how the Jesus Saves sign gets shot up, how the cross in the park is just this great charmless lump of concrete? This is a godless world. In Clint We Trust.
Religion is for saps. The world can only be saved by men with guns.
Neo-conservatism in a nutshell.
Betcha Dick Cheyney loves this movie.