Refusing to assist a police officer

Refusing to assist a police officer, peace officer or other law enforcement officer is an offence in various jurisdictions around the world. Some jurisdictions use the terminology '"refusing to aid a police officer" or "failure to aid a police officer".

This principle originates from Norman England, where local Sheriffs in England would be the only peace officer in an area. He would summon assistance from locals to enforce the King's laws or to apprehend an offender. It subsequently became part of the common law that all persons must assist a constable or peace officer when so requested. This still remains as one of the few common law offences which exist in England/Wales and some other states/countries.