Why do Police Officers make you feel nervous when they stare at you?

Question

Recently, I had gone to the Police Station to report a problem and the Officer I was speaking with had his sharp eyes right on me like he was a hawk out on a desert and me being "lunch," which totally made me feel very nervous and I'm not good with people meaning I'm a very shy person and very reserved so I felt extra nervous. This is pretty normal reaction right? My best friend and I were talking the other day that Police Officers are trained to detect a person from lying to not lying by the person's body language. If I'm shy and nervous in general and shifts my body or look away when the Officer stares into my eyes would you think that I was lying? because I wasn't. I did these things because I've never been in that situation before and since I'm a reserved person not sure how I was suppose to react to his stares. I wanted to say the word "Awkward" towards him, but I didn't. My "Q" is why do Police Officers have to stare like that? Makes me feel uncomfortable and awkward.

One more thing, do you think Police Officers go home and stare like that to their husband/wives and their children as well? Not to sound creepy.

Answer 1

Well, I wasn't aware that I DID stare like that. We're trained to observe and pay close attention to body language and mannerisms. Sometimes detecting a lie can make the difference between opening a case or not and saving everyone a lot of wasted time. Try not to be so shy, we look that way at everyone.

Answer 2

I don't really think that it's got that much to do with the occupation as it does the individual. I've seen people in various jobs outside of law enforcement that have that look about them.

True, police have to constantly be aware, watching people's movements and body language, but I think most people expect that look from them. Sort of hard to exude authority if you're constantly walking around with a silly grin on your face. It's a double-edged sword. If we look stern, we're too intimidating. If we crack a smile while people are reporting crimes to us, we aren't taking them seriously.

You say that you're already a fairly shy person and I can see how that might be intimidating to you, but you're probably a bit more nervous because of the uniform, gun, etc. There have been times when I've dealt with someone that has that strange look on their face, and I'm the one in the uniform.

The job might factor into it a little, but we're not all robots. And I would imagine if they look that way while they're at work all day, they look that way at home, too. Like I said, it's the individual.

Answer 3

I worked in law enforcement to put myself through college and I can tell you from experience that the intimidating stare you feel so uncomfortable with is a cultivated skill. Officers must maintain control of any situation in which they are involved for the safety of all parties. This is accomplished by use of symbols of authority (badge, uniform, sidearm) and the demeanor of the officer. They are taught how to stand, speak, and behave in a manner that projects confidence and control. It's ok to be nervous. It is expected. If you werent a little intimidated, they would be a little suspicious of your behavior. As long as you have nothing to hide, you have no problem. They are only interested in enforcing the law and getting home safe and secure to their families at night.

Answer 4

One of the reasons it can bug people is because of what a police officer represents. Authority and law. It puts some people on edge.

The reason they tend to have an analytical or cold stare at times is because they're trained to observe. Especially the veteran officers. They've seen all sorts of insane and ridiculous things, they've seen liars and cheats, etc. One of the ways they can tell if you're lying to them or not is by paying close attention to your behavior -- speech, movement, posture, etc.

It's not really unusual to feel the way you did. And they're typically aware of that fact. Just act natural and go about your business. If you're talking to the officer, be honest and polite with him. If you act defensive, you're probably going to worsen the situation because you're going to appear suspicious.

As far as home lives... I'm sure some police do carry it over, but most have a very distinct separation between their on-duty attitude and their personal/home attitude.

Answer 5

well, on the force officers are told to look their best. they have to get the respect out of people that they deserve. where i live, at the city police academy there is a sign as u walk out that asks "does your appearance demmand respect?". now this might not be a definate answer to your question, but the fact of the matter is that a police officer has to be somewhat intimmidating to get that type of respect out of a person. now im sure he wasnt meaning to make you nervous. i have a lot to do with police officers and when i talk to one i normally dont get that type of feeling. so i belive that it is fair to say that one's feelings toward peace officers are just as varied as are people. and when they are at home they are just like everyone else. they joke, laugh tease, etc.. but when they are on the job they know that the time to tease is over (not that they cant to that, they just dont want to stir up any mischief).it just depends on the type of person you are. do u like to joke etc.? if so you probably surround urself with friends who do the same. so when you approach someone who maybe cant do that at the time being it does seem "awkward" to you. but i dont suggest u lose any sleep over it. it's a very demmanding job and there are times to laugh, cry, and just be a little serious. once u get to know an officer like that it isnt near as awkward as u felt.

and one more thing:
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it's all a part of the job. it is very demmanding so i suggest that while you dont understand it you at least try to. it's the same thing with firefighters and paramedics. you dont have to tell one that they;re akward......that'sa little too judgemental. dont think of it as someakward job where everyone is too intimidating think of it as a life-saving career!

HOPE THIS HELPS!

Answer 6

My girlfriends cousin was a policeman in otaru south auckland gangland territory and he is a " hard starer " as well.I got to know him a little in london and it just didnt go away.We even went out new uears eve on a social and he was like it then.So yup....i think they are just like it.

Many police officers date and marry within the job as its hard for civis to understand some of the complexities of their job.

I dont think they really like making people feel uncomfortable its i think many around them get use to them being this way.

its actually ok to make reference to it,in relation to making you feel uncomfortable as im sure hes been told it before.Its then upto him to react and do or not do something about it.
It might make him relax a little as hes probably just concentrating on what you are saying rather than trying to find a guilty person in your body language.

Answer 7

To be on the safe side call the police and tell them theres a suspicious cop car sitting in ur driveway and you think your being harrashed by them. They will probably ask for a number thats visible on thier squad car.

Answer 8

Unless, you are not guilty of a violation, do not be afraid of police officers because they are only after felons.

Answer 9

It is you guilty conscience making you nervous. If you have done nothing wrong, why do you fear the police so much?

Answer 10

He was just giving you his undivided attention.

Most officers leave work at work and go home and become husband and dad.