Yeah, I haven't done anything worthy of their attention in years and I still get nervous around them for some screwy reason.

All the time. Actually I have somewhat of an (one of several) irrational fear of them, beacuse I fear they're going to chase me, or arrest me even though I don't believe I've ever severly broken the law

yeah, I do, and I have never been in trouble with the police. I think it's the sign of a healthy respect for the law. I doubt that those who flout it regularly ever feel guilty.

May i answer this question, from a police officers point of view? I understand this question and i try to see both sides of this question, first as a police officer and second as a civillian. Just the sight of a uniform or a police vehicle, is enough for most citizens to feel one of two ways: a. secure b. defensive. secure meaning safe and confident, since the uniform is close. defensive meaning guilty of something or wanted for something. We realize the majority of citizens are honest and want the secure feeling. i would not have it any other way. the small percentage of defensive are defensive for fear of either being caught or discovered. I would only hope that a police presence would not make anyone feel guilty, unless they are guilty. The police mission is to help, aid and assist the public first. second, is the apprehension and arrest of wanted criminals. I really never knew people felt guilty, just because an officer walks past them. is this normal? does everyone feel this way?

Yes I feel like they are always looking for something.

No, not at all. As long as I am not doing anything wrong I have no reason to feel guilty, I usually just smile and speak.

Yes, mostly because of the gun and handcuffs. I feel guilty anytime someone has a gun and I don't, i think.. ok, don't make him mad or he might kill me

No - I see them all the time almost everyday when they come in the store -

When I was young, they were intimidating due to the gun, handcuffs, night stick. And the town I lived in had the most serious police ever. When I grew older, I realised they are just people. And I have friends who were officers. I also had a neighbor that served in the FBI for 25 years, he was a good man, real average fun-loving guy.

Yes. I always feel like they're going to find something wrong that I am doing eventhough I'm not.

nah. I wish I saw them out more!! But, if I am driving, I am terrified that I will do something worng, or one of my stickers has expired, and I wasn't aware of it...

yes!all the time! i was walking down the road the other day, and one went past on a bike, and was glaring at me, and i thought "for christs sake, i havent done anything!!"

I'm going to get some flak here, but I don't feel guilt so much as anger. I understand there is a need to capture true criminals (theives, murderers) and assist the public in matters of crisis (car accidents, riots) and even a need to pull over certain vehicles that have crimial records, however, I think law enforcement has overstepped their bounds in many cases and created a bad image for themselves. Now I understand much of this has to do with the lawmakers and not the enforcement and officers are out there just doing their job. My point is: Someone enters the profession of law enforcement, usually with certain priciples as to why they wish to 'serve and protect'. Now, as an officer, they have the law behind them to uphold their beleifs and their actions. As a citizen who doesn't agree with many of the laws, I don't have the same protection. This doesn't seem fair in my mind and makes me quite angry. I understand many of you believe that the laws were made for the good of us all, but seeing as how I don't believe that 'common good' is the right way to deal with society and actually creates more problems that it is meant to cure, I am left behind compounding my anger.

yes cuz of all the stuff ive done in the past im just waiting for the cop to bust me for something.

I think it's genetically hardwired into my system.

Believe it or not, when i was younger and before i became a sworn police officer, i felt the same way. I am having a hard time explaining this myself. Since i could not explain this, i became one and i still cannot give an answer. I would only hope that you would feel respect, instead of guilt. we are not the bad guys.

1) It is just the fear of the authorities. You got that programmed by your father (or mother, or whoever raised you). 2) Have you heard of "cold case"? Maybe some of them is using the DNA you left at that time to find out the thief... 3) Imagine they could find out about your bad thoughts! 4) Just keep cool, they are people too.

Well, the next time you see an officer, go and "confess your sin" to him/her. That just might make you feel better. (It might make the officer's day too!)

well i feel because i'm young and seem to be in that generation with all the young trouble makers (even though i don't go around causing trouble :p..) i feel guilt!

No.

No, I always check out his sidearm. Is it a Peashooter 9mm or is the man truly armed.

NEVER, it's a sure give away

IM usually baked so yea

I feel a little nervous...

I've noticed that also. My fav is when people slow down when they spot an officer even though they weren't speeding. lol

I know what you mean. I've got 15 tats, 20 earrings and alot of the time I dress in black. Alot of times I've been pulled up and questioned, it totally shits me off.

Start driving looking at the rear view mirror instead of looking at the road in front of them

Just you,sorry.

Yeahh!!! i do that lol it's really weird, if i've done nothing i still act really weird! i think it's all psychological really, like what if questions...