police
Is it lawful for a police officer to order you to put down your baby and submit to arrest?
<p>Are you required to comply with a police officer's order to put your baby down in an uncertain situation and allow yourself to be handcuffed?</p>

<p>I am thinking of the recent incident in Phoenix. Although I could not watch the whole video, I am told that at one point, the officer ordered the mother to put her baby down. I can't imagine Mom was able to think about the law at that point, but it made me wonder: is there any scenario where it's legal for an officer to make that demand?</p>

<p>Why it's not a duplicate:</p>

<p>The other question to which this seems to be a duplicate is a broader question. The answers addressed personal rights: consent to search, right to remain silent, and broader subjects. None of these apply--nor can they be extended to apply--to my specific question.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Are you required to comply with a police officer's order to put your baby down in an uncertain situation and allow yourself to be handcuffed?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Of course.  If holding a baby could immunize people against arrest, every criminal would have a baby around whenever possible.</p>

<p>Similarly, suppose an officer legitimately fears for his or her life or safety, or the lives or safety of others, on the basis of a suspicion that someone carrying a baby is about to produce a weapon and use it against someone.</p>

<p>Courts, at least in the US, give wide and explicit deference to police officers in stressful situations like that, and they recognize that even if, in hindsight, it is perfectly clear that there was no danger, the officer must be allowed the leeway to act on his or her suspicions in case they are correct.</p>

<p>The officer will of course have some obligations to ensure the welfare of the child after separation from the adult, but the only immediate recourse the adult has is to appeal to the officer directly, or perhaps the officer's supervisor if he or she is available.  Any other enforcement of the officer's obligation will have to take place in the courts after the fact.</p>
