I don't have anything against the police, I just seem to see it happen a lot in the movies, and even in real life where a bunch of wiseguys would shout names like "Pig!" or "Bacon sandwich!" from across the street or at passing cruisers without any fear of being caught. Why doesn't the 5-0 take any action about it?
2007-05-17 12:39:24 · 36 answers · asked by Parashoot! 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Man, those lazy bastards covered their butts in every way so you can't even tell them how horrible they are
2007-05-19 14:31:37 · answer #1 · answered by R. Gyle 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
True, in most circumstances the police can't arrest you for calling them a name like "pig". But there are other things that they can legally arrest you for. If the police are on a traffic stop or other type of call, it might could be considered as obstruction. At any rate, you can bet that you will see that police officer again. Even if your not arrested then, you may be stopped at a later date on a traffic offense or something. There are legal ways of getting revenge on people. There are ways to legally harass people. If a cop knows the law well enough, he can get even and do it in a perfectly legal manner.
2007-05-17 14:33:23 · answer #2 · answered by LawDawg 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Calling an officer a name is not technically an offence and usually not worth the paperwork. Although keep in mind you can be held upto 72 hours without being charged and this is totally legal. So my advice is do not press your luck unless you have 3 days with nothing better to do. Also if you screamed it loud enough the officer could get you for disorderly conduct and or disturbing the peace which may or may not stick depending on the D.A. however again 3 days in jail may not be the best way to spend your time.
2007-05-17 12:52:27 · answer #3 · answered by levindis 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Each state has different laws that give officers varying degrees of latitude. Most states do not allow officers to arrest for a single derogatory statement made to them. However, if the verbal barrage continues as an ongoing course of conduct or disrupts a public place, the person could be arrested and charged with harassment and/or disorderly conduct.
2007-05-18 02:16:28 · answer #4 · answered by dwmatty19 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not against the law to insult a police officer in the US. That is one of the rights that other people have bought for us. However, insulting an officer will usually cause him to take a good look at you and that might not work out favorably.
2007-05-22 08:05:11 · answer #5 · answered by oldhippypaul 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a police officer, you are not able to have your peace disturbed, therefore, you cannot be verbally abused, assaulted, etc... We are expected to take this type of verbal abuse, because your speech is protected. On the other hand, if a police officer uses his mouth to overide his rear then his speech can be harassing. We are only here to make the public safe, and therefore we should expect a little verbal backtalk. But the minute you put your hands on me, you will find your way enroute to the County Jail.
2007-05-23 17:39:59 · answer #6 · answered by Lawenforcer329 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To answer your question, False, the police can arrest you for almost anything they say happens. Law enforcement enjoys this extraordinary power, and are almost untouchable. In the example you produce, the police cannot positively identify the culprit, so these cowards are safe from arrest, however if it's a one on one situation, you can bet your jockeys you will be cited.
2007-05-22 02:40:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, they can't nail you for a verbal insult but, "disorderly conduct and resisting arrest" can be pretty much whatever they want it to be and arrest you for that. You'll get your day in court and may get off but, not before being cuffed, hauled in, having about 5 hours of your time wasted in the jail, paying an attorney and being found innocent. It's cheaper to just keep yer mouth shut.
2007-05-17 12:47:27 · answer #8 · answered by sepp55774 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
In the USA, they seem to be more tolerant of verbal abuse, (off Cops on TV) but in the UK- you would be arrested immediately-- while in Spain-- you would definitely get a slap round the head-they wont put up with any of it- and rightly so, we may some times get disillusioned by some police-- but we need them to keep law and order.
2007-05-22 00:56:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
here in london they don't bother any more wtih the result that the chavs now feel that they can do whatever they want;the question i am asking is when we are going to have a free for all and disband the police because at presetn they are just getting in the way;at least then innocent people would have a chance
2007-05-25 10:24:51 · answer #10 · answered by patrick o 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech. If the cops could take action for name calling, then everyone in America who gets called names could take action on everyone who called them names. We'd have to have an awful lot of courtrooms and jails!
2007-05-24 16:59:06 · answer #11 · answered by che_rae_gra53 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋