It doesn't matter if the cops think you're uncooperative or guilty or shifty or anything else. Your freedom is at stake, why worry about what some cop thinks of you?
While I am not a fan of saying more than a brief statement (see post #8) you really should care about what the cops think of you. You should care precisely because your freedom is at stake. Remember, they are the ones writing the reports that go to the prosecutor for review. They are going to be the same ones telling the jury all about you.
Let's take a look at two responses when the police arrive. Assume that your shooting is completely justified, or as is more often the case right on the fence to any casual observer, so the only difference is your interaction with the police.
#1) Cops arrive on scene. You assert yourself, rather vocally, that you aren't saying anthing. When asked if you'd like to make a statement, you repeat, "lawyer, lawyer, lawyer" over and over. When asked for your identification card you respond, "I'm not saying anything." You are asked where your firearm is, "You'll need a warrant sir. I'm not saying anything." The cop asks you to stand next to his car while he talks to a couple more witnesses. "Are you telling me to stand by your car against my will?" You get the point.
Detectives arrive on scene and ask that responding officer what happened. "We're still sorting that out but that guy over there is the shooter. He's uncooperative." "Oh yea, I'll keep that in mind." Now the detective proceeds with his thorough investigation, all the while keeping in mind that the guy he is investigating is at minimum, uncooperative. It makes a difference.
#2) Cops arrive on scene. You comply with all of their directions and commands. Officer asks you, "What happened?" You respond, "Sir, I was placed in fear for my life and was forced to shoot in self defense. I am sure you can understand that I am shaken. I will need some time and I would like to contact an attorney before I give any further statement concerning the actions I took in self defense." Officer responds, "I understand, I would do the same thing." He asks you to stand near his car while he speaks to a couple of witnesses. "Of course sir, do you mind if I sit on your bumper since I'm a little shaken up?" "By the way sir, I know you'll need it for evidence. I secured my weapon right inside my front door."
Detectives arrive on scene and ask that responding officer what happened. "We're still sorting that out but that guy over there is the shooter. He's a nice guy but he wants to converse with an attorney." "Cool, it'll take a few days before we get the full story anyway." Detective proceeds with his thorough investigation, keeping in mind that the guy he is investigating is a nice guy and cooperative. It too makes a difference.
Now the officer goes back and writes his report. Believe me when I tell you this, having written literally thousands of police reports. The officer can make you look like a total behind in his report or he can make you look like a total angel. All the while the facts in his report remain exactly the same. He really doesn't care whether you gave a detailed statement on scene or not. While sticking to the facts, personalities do come out in reports.
Fast forward to the hearing with a judge present, or even later at a civil/criminal trial.
Attorney: "Officer Jones, can you tell me about your interaction with Mr. _____ when you arrived on scene?" "He was uncooperative, vague in his answers, told me to go get a warrant and kept repeating 'lawyer'."
or
Attorney: "Officer Jones, can you tell me about your interaction with Mr. _____ when you arrived on scene?" "He was very cooperative and cordial but as could be expected was shaken up by the whole thing, just as I would be if I had to shoot someone, so understandably wasn't able to give a full statement on scene."
Call me crazy, but I care a whole lot about what the cops think of me.