How does police presence make you feel?

[laurentius]

I just got back from biking. Again I found myself biking in places where not many people go; train yards, harbour areas, deserted factories. Mainly because of the spectacular scenery they offer and because those are the places most people just ignore and never go to they are simply forgotten, theres something fascinating about that. Some of the facilities are reused by a number of hi-tech firms such as F-secure, have turned the place into Helsinki High Technology Center. The places are guarded and they have CCTV cams here and there. I saw some police cars there on patrol every now and then. So I began to wonder how people react when they have police around them.

Given the recent debate in here where the flight or fight response was brought up I thought it would be interesting to see whats apolytoners attitude towards law enforcement. So how does police presence make you feel?

[Flubber]

depends. I hate having a police car driving behind me but when I am walking downtown, I like to see them around. Although there are some idiots in the force, I believe the vast majority really want to try to help people and protect the public

[Maniac]

IIRC I read some research that people feel less safe when police is around. After all, if police is around, it must be for a reason: the area is unsafe!

[Donegeal]

Gee... I wonder what I'm going to vote.....

[Gibsie]

I'm whiter than white, so I don't feel unsafe with more police around.

[laurentius]

Maniac: Yeah I though about that too. I cant say I feel that way myself. I'm not scared, if theres some trouble I'm more than willing to help the police out, I'm almost looking forward to the action

[Japher]

I don't feel unsafe, but I feel like my every move is under scrutiny... nobody likes to be watched.

[Bereta_Eder]

safe and uneasy!

[laurentius]

Damned Paiktis! I knew I should have included that option

[Whoha]

"Damnit I have to not speed." isn't an option.

[Last Conformist]

Depends. I hate to see police cars when I'm biking - it's not like I'm gonna follow all of the crazier traffic rules - but the one that's hoovering around Ã…gatan when the pubs close is reassuring.

Mostly, I'm fairly indifferent.

[Traianvs]

Originally posted by Maniac
IIRC I read some research that people feel less safe when police is around. After all, if police is around, it must be for a reason: the area is unsafe!

Yes, but then again over here police doesn't patrol to catch criminals, but rather to target drunk students, pedestrians disobeying traffic rules or likewise when on a bike etc...
that means they are looking for me

So I dont like to see them. They make me nervous, and sometimes they're real *******s too. They can break rules and there's nothing you can do or say about it. If you do, you will be threatened most likely.
But, sometimes there are good policemen too

[Pyrodrew]

More safe, except when I'm driving.

I got pulled over for speeding once where the cop acted like he wanted to physically fight me right away. Very aggressive attitude and actions (like quickly placing his hands in my car). There was no way I was going to talk him out of that ticket.

[MrFun]

Depends on what type of male police officers we have in mind.

doughnut-eating, soda-guzzling officers: I get repulsive feelings

physically fit officers: I get turned on

[JohnT]

When those two cops walked in on me and my friend, with two bags of weed and a homemade hooka sitting there in plain sight, I didn't exactly welcome their presence at all.

Now, 15+ years later, I don't really care.