 law enforcement personnel must be able to give orders to the public in regard to matters affecting public safety and to expect prompt compliance with their orders. A police officer's duty is to maintain peace and tranquility. An officer cannot do this if he or she lacks the authority to instruct members of the public. An officer should not fear being haled into court to defend his or her actions related to an arrest based on someone's not complying with the officer's instructions. That is the purpose of immunity.
The facts indicate that Franklin arrived at the Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville on the night of a high school football game, only 15 minutes before the kickoff. After entering the stadium, he stood in front of the bleachers, near the south gate. Officer Citrano directed Franklin to "Get in the bleachers." Franklin did not comply; he gave no explanation for his failure to comply, except that he was waiting for his girlfriend.
It is undisputed that Franklin did not comply with Officer Citrano's request. Franklin testified that Officer Citrano asked him three or four times to move. The only conflict in the evidence is whether Franklin knew initially that he was in a restricted area. This state of mind on Franklin's part is irrelevant. *854 It is clear that after the officer's orders he knew that an officer of the peace had directed him to get into the bleachers. Officer Citrano's instruction was given not only for the safety of others, but also for the safety of Franklin himself. In today's world of gang violence and other random violence, a public place can sometimes be very dangerous. Recent events show that a high school sporting event in Alabama can be particularly dangerous. Police officers must be allowed to use their authority to protect the public from danger.
The majority opinion states that "disputed issues of fact exist relating to probable cause to arrest for disorderly conduct and failure to obey the police officer's order to move into the bleachers." 670 So.2d at 853. I disagree. If the po