system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5:Why, when I've done nothing wrong, do I feel guilty when passing by a cop? What's the psychology behind it?
gpt
You evaluate a threat using two criteria: intent and capability. "Does this person want to harm me? Does this person have the ability to harm me?"  
Law enforcement officers score high on both these scales. In terms of intent, the police might not have any desire to harm you physically, but they are motivated to harm you financially by issuing a traffic ticket, for instance.  

For capability, they peg the needle. You know for a fact that they have the tools and authority to fine, detain, or even kill you.  

It's a rational response to be wary of the police, because in rational terms, they are somewhat more motivated to do you harm than an average person, and far, far better equipped to do it.