Can someone be arrested for disrespecting a police officer?

M & M Investigations

If that is all you do, no you won't be arrested, however if he/she asked you to do something & you say that and REFUSE then yes you will be arrested. Depending on what was asked, the "Failure to Comply" [with an order of an officer] my be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Another charge that could result is Disorderly Conduct.
If you actions appear threatening, you will be arrested
Depending on city & state the charge maybe different or worded differently. Now if you just verbally say f- you I'm going to kill you ( or any threats of violence or implied threats), no defense under the 1st ammendment will protect you - because you stepped it up from expressing your civil right to committing a crime. So just becareful what you do & say & how you say it. I hope this helps.

trooper3316

There is a US Supreme Court case on that... Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire. It is referred to as the "Fighting Words Doctrine". The Court determined fighting words are not covered under the First Amendment, and you can be held accountable.

Realistically, if no one else is around, it is unlikely he will do anything about it. Do it in front of a group of people, and you will very likely be looking at a Disorderly Conduct, or Disturbing the Peace.

TURANDOT

A cop CAN NOT arrest you for merely expressing what you think about him.
However, the trick they use is keep taunting you and escalating it until you scream or worse. Then they arrest you for something else.

But NO JUDGE will punish you in court for merely calling a cop anything

TyranusXX

I think up until a few years ago yes, but I do recall a supreme court case that determined that "F%^& You" to the police is ok

That being said , try it and they will just arrest you for something else

Steve-O

if no one else can hear it, the officer will get you for something else.

If people are around, then they will get you for Disorderly Conduct.

Mr. Goodhi

I wouldn't think so. It's your rights to freedom of speech to call the cop any name you want to.

Josh C

Yes. Freedom of Speech DOES NOT protect inflammatory, insulting or threatening remarks. So yes, you can.

Police Dispatcher

Sometimes yes. Sometimes the suspect gets so out of control he loses it and thats what happens most of the time. Also many people don't know when or how to shut there mouth so they are arrested for disorderly conduct which is:

Conduct likely to lead to a disturbance of the public peace or that offends public decency. It has been held to include the use of obscene language in public, fighting in a public place, blocking public ways, and making threats. Statutes against disorderly conduct must identify the specific acts that constitute it. The offense usually carries minor penalties.

Trinity

if you don't like cops that's fine, but don't call one when your house gets broken into, or your car gets ripped off, or anything else for that matter.

J K

No, you can't get arrested for being disrespectful to an officer. However, if you make a threat or are moving around in a way that is physically threatening, you'll be arrested. Another thing to consider is if you're out in public & other people can hear you cussing & being stupid, you can also be arrested for Disorderly Conduct or Disturbing the Peace.
If you want to be disrespectuful, just wait until you get arrested for something & then just start venting. It's always more entertaining for us.

natchomomma

Yes, it is possible.

tommy s

yes and some other government employees as well

Happy

Yes, it believe its like disrespecting the law.

TxTopCop

We call it being jailed for P.O.P.

You figure it out.

LB The Definition of Lovley

Naaahhh - Only if they spit on the officer or hit him.
Just talking is nothing. It's freedom of speech for goodness sake!

Not a good idea! Why would you want to stoop to their level
of incompetence? Remember this, give only your name, address and NOTHING more to any cop! If they pressure you
demand an attorney!

andim

Earlier this week I heard rocks being thrown at my trailer. I live in a very scary and dangerous area not out of choice but unemployment. I had my neighbors grandson over trying to help him to keep up with his reading over the summer, I do this 3-4 times a week. When we heard the pounding I went outside to fined 3 boys 6-10 yrs. of age. I told them to get off of my property immediately. They did but one of the oys left his bike in the driveway. Minutes latter I hear XXb-h=wore get out here. I sent my neighbors son running out the back door only to be attacked by 2 women and a man behind them. I felt as if I were on the Jerry Springer Show. I was close inough to my front door to make a run for it and locked myself in then called the Sheriff. Before I could wash to wash my face and clean the cuts from being knocked down the Sheriffs wer at my door. I refused to open because the woman were right next to them and all the neighbors were out. I could see the whole thing was a set up as I know from other neighbors that they want me out so that other family members can move in. Aftre the police cut the electric I feed my dogs and gave them extra water, then opened the door. What I didn't expect was pepper spray, being grabbed and thrown to the ground. As the officer said 'we just want to talk to you. What he didn,t telll me was as sore as I already was I was going to end up in costody with a tripple srianed left knee and black and bue all over my back and shoulders. Ater being taken into custody never given the opportunity to tell my side of the situation I was sent to ER. The chief did not want to lock me up for fear of being sued I suppose... My question is if people you have not invited onto your propery and attack you, then call the Sheriff of whom pepper spray you in your own home after opening the door to them, then how can you be charged with disorderly conduct and refusing arrest??????

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: