MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Which is an additional charge that can be brought for Assaulting a Police Officer?

1. Resisting and Obstructing

2. Fleeing and Eluding

3. Assault

4. Battery

The correct answer is: Resisting and Obstructing

The additional charge that can be brought for Assaulting a Police Officer is Resisting and Obstructing. This charge is particularly applicable because when an individual assaults a police officer, it often involves actions that impede or obstruct the officer’s ability to perform their lawful duties. Resisting and obstructing can include actions such as physically resisting arrest or interfering with an officer's attempts to carry out their responsibilities. This linkage emphasizes the severity of assaulting a police officer, as it not only constitutes a direct attack but also complicates the officer's role in maintaining public safety and executing the law. The legal system recognizes this additional charge to reflect the seriousness of targeting law enforcement officials, enhancing the penalties for such offenses to deter potential violence against those enforcing the law. The other potential charges do not complement the primary charge of assault in the same direct manner as Resisting and Obstructing does; they target different aspects of criminal behavior or focus on other circumstances that do not inherently relate to the offense of assaulting an officer.