What does 'resisting, opposing, or delaying an officer' refer to?

• A. A minor traffic infraction
• B. A criminal offense when a person uses force or threats to obstruct an officer performing duties
• C. A civil matter that is not arrestable
• D. It is permissible if the person is unarmed

Answer: (B)

Resisting, opposing, or delaying an officer means obstructing an officer in the lawful performance of duties. It becomes a criminal offense when someone uses force or threats to obstruct that officer. This isn’t a minor traffic infraction or a civil matter; it’s an arrestable crime. And it doesn’t become permissible if the person is unarmed—the illegality lies in the act of obstructing, not in whether a weapon is present. Actions can include physically resisting, pulling away, shoving, or making threats to hinder the officer’s ability to carry out duties or complete an arrest or investigation. The focus is on the obstruction of the officer’s lawful functions, not on whether the person agrees with the officer or is merely noncooperative.