Contempt of cop is
law enforcement jargon in the United States for behavior by citizens towards law enforcement officers that the officers perceive as disrespectful or
insufficiently deferential to their authority.[SUP]
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The phrase is associated with
arbitrary arrest and detention and is often discussed in connection to
police misconduct such as use of
excessive force or even
police brutality[SUP]
[5][/SUP] as a reaction to disrespectful behavior[SUP]
[6][/SUP] rather than for any legitimate law enforcement purpose.[SUP]
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Arrests for "contempt of cop" may stem from a type of "occupational arrogance" when a police officer thinks he or she should not be challenged or questioned.[SUP]
[8][/SUP] From such officers' perspective, "contempt of cop" may involve perceived or actual challenges to their authority, including a lack of
deference (such as disobeying instructions,[SUP]
[9][/SUP] or expressing interest in filing a complaint against the officer).[SUP]
[7][/SUP] Flight from the police is sometimes considered a variant of "contempt of cop".[SUP]
[10][/SUP] "Contempt of cop" situations may be exacerbated if other officers witness the allegedly contemptuous behavior.[SUP]
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Charges such as
disorderly conduct,
resisting arrest, and
assaulting an officer may be cited as official reasons for a "contempt of cop" arrest.[SUP]
[7][/SUP] Obstructing an officer or failure to obey a lawful order is also cited in "contempt of cop" arrests in some jurisdictions, particularly as a stand-alone charge without any other charges brought.[SUP]
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