Being a creature of habit you probably have a routine you follow on a daily basis. If you’re an older officer you may stop by the same store for a pack of smokes on your way in. You younger guys hit Starbucks for a latte or whatever. Bottom line is the people behind the counter know that you’re a police officer. Should you enter the store in plain clothes in the middle of a robbery, are they going to give you a chance or are they going to yell out, “Hey Bob, we’re being robbed, do something!” Take a moment to have a short conversation with those you know well and ask them not make mention of your occupation every time you walk in the door, especially if there’s a serious incident in progress.