“The policeman was very nice and polite but firm, and I expected him to feel easily threatened.”
I for one am tired of having to be afraid of a cop’s unreasoned fear. His job might have risks, but it isn’t even in the top ten of dangerous professions. So get over it, or get out.
Don’t be ridiculous. It would also be unwise to startle or threaten a surgeon in the operating room—or a tight-rope walker—not to mention an armed policeman! Grow up!