You can't make things not happen. If you have a certain look - people have preconceived notions about you. Yes it sucks. I'd just try to keep that it in mind and be mindful of the impact your "look" might have on people who don't know you. People might just be plain scared - when in fact you seem like a perfectly nice guy.

In interactions with police - well, you know what to do. Whatever they tell you. :-) It helps to just smile, shake their hand. Greet them in as a friendly a manner as you can. And the smile will make you feel less nervous. Tell them you are getting out your ID, tell them what they will find when they run it, tell them that you've kept your nose clean for x number of years and you plan to keep it that way. ("I've got a family now," "I'm sober now", etc.)

Eventually you might get to know the cops in your area - that helps immensely.

Good luck, and congrats on changing your life around!!

S