If a citizen refuses to assist a peace officer, what may the officer do?

• A. The officer may arrest the citizen for obstruction
• B. The officer may detain the citizen until help arrives
• C. The officer may report the citizen to the district or county attorney
• D. The officer may compel assistance with a warrant

Answer: (C)

When a citizen refuses to assist a peace officer, the proper path is to document the refusal and refer the matter to the district or county attorney for potential charges. The officer does not automatically have the power to arrest or detain someone merely for refusing to help; charging decisions are made by prosecutors who assess whether obstruction or hindering the officer’s duties has occurred and whether it should be pursued. Reporting to the attorney allows the question of legality and punishment to be handled through the formal criminal process. The other options would require different facts or authorities (such as active obstruction or imminent danger) that aren’t established by a simple refusal to assist.