I view cops as a threat.
These days anyone who comes into contact with law enforcement for any reasonwould be wise to do the same. Holding a cell phone, brake pads, a garden hose, or even just having your hands in your pockets can cause these people to shoot you. Or, like we saw in Los Angeles last year they'll shoot at you just because you're driving a vehicle that's vaguely similar to some criminals' vehicle.
You just never know what's going to set them off anymore.