Is it against the law to "flip off" a police officer?

Peggy M

That depends on what state you're in. Here are some examples of case law on the subject.

Brian M

I cant speak for nay other state, but in NC it is a crime to basicly flip off anyone. It bascily is instigating a fight and is public indeciency and is illegal. Like someone said before, its not used much but is an effective tool when needed. I wouldnt lock up someone for doing it without any other reason for arrest. However if you did it and was giving me a hard time about other things I can arrest you for I might tack it on.

I don't think or hope so

xian w

I am not sure but it doesn't endear them to your cause if they have to answer a call to help you.

Unfrozen Caveman

IF THEY GIVE YOU A BAD TIME FOR IT JUST TELL THEM YOU WERE SAYING THAT THEY ARE NUMBER 1 IN YOUR BOOK

cara_nicole.?

ahhhhhhh...its not against the law. but they most likely will try to charge you for somthing or another. considering theis is a popo officer that we're talking about.

i would highly suggest u not try flippin off one of dem

ha. good luck.â™¥

Mark Twain O

Disrespect per se is not a crime. You cannnot be charged with "contempt of cop". Nonetheless the cops can use their discretionary powers to make life far more miserable for you than it is at the time you are disrespectful.

papa mac

Yes , I read peggy m's first listing . If you want to spend $15,000 to overturn a $250 go for it , who's the real winner.

I know a few people in law enforcement , and One officer told me he can write you a ticket , or take you to jail for anything , whether it hold up in court is another issue. He said that the officer needs to be careful about how he handles the case as to not violate a persons civil rights to the point a lawsuit could ensue.

JBEW

No, it isn't. Poor poor Wanda. Have you been abused, Dear? You are full of much hatred .. probably much more than any cop. Lighten up a bit.

shy_angeleyes01

All your doing is expressing your FREEDOM of expression or Speech whichever you prefer. I wouldn't however suggest it Unless of course you have access to a High priced Lawyer or maybe the ACLU and then you could Sue the Police for violateing your Freedom of speech or expression.

Pia

Well....

If what they don't want you to know is that the First Ammendment protects your freedom of speech, so you *can* call a cop an @$$hole if you wish, and if he arrests you just for that, he is violating your civil rights.

But,

If you yell it out in public, or interrupt an event, he will get you for creating a disruption.

If he treatens to "arrest you if you dare repeat that", he is displaying show of force, and abuse of authority, and earned himself a good reason for you to file a grievance.

Another right that cops don't want people to know about

zipper

Yes it is. It is against the law to flip off any one, just it is to hard to prove in court with out Video Tape proof of the Crime taking place. But in Court a Police Officer's word carries more weight than John Q-Public's does! So my advice is do not do it! In fact years ago in some States in the Mid West they could shot you for it! Not so any more, but it is still illegal to flip the bird to a cop.

HPS

Don't have any evidence, but it makes sense that you could be cited for disrespecting a public figure (but they don't use that one very often) You could also get disorderly conduct. But it's not like you could get thrown in jail.

Dirty P

I belive so lol...

Brite Tiger

Not illegal. However, I wouldn't recommend it. They could make life pretty unpleasant for you for a short period of time.

gokart121

Let's see if you're smart enough to answer your own question, on that one...

mr_crankypants

Yes it is. Publically insulting an officer is a violation in most juristictions. A violation is like a parking ticket in case you didnt' know.

Kikyo

No, it isn't against the law. However, if someone flips off a police officer, they can be cited with Disrespecting a police officer.

blackwing873

I wouldn't do it- its being disrespectful to those who are charged with protecting and serving us... (being sarcastic here)

Plus they could probably write you up for some darned something or other.

halfshaft

In today's environment, if you flipped off a cop, you would probably have the local police, the FBI, and Homeland Security involved.
You would be arrested as a freedom-hating terrorist, and flown to Lithuania for "interrogation", never to heard from again.
And the Feds would take credit for thwarting an attack.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: