I recently responded to another post regarding this question but I figured I'd make a thread.

My question is : Why, in general, do we feel nervous when driving/passing by a police officer?

I know it sounds like a stupid question but I just don't get it. Police officers are there to keep the world a better place, to make sure all is right, to help the oppressed. They ensure justice and ensure criminals are adequately detained and eventually punished. Police officers or any law enforcement officers should be looked at as a big brother to lend a hand in time of distress.

So why do we, even if we have not committed any crimes, cringe or become even a little nervous when passing by these noble guardians. Shouldn't we feel relieved knowing in this vicinity nothing bad should happen because a cop is present?

Sorry if this is a stupid post but it truly puzzles me how this can be so. Please ignore this is you feel it is stupid, but I would appreciate any responses. Thank you.