Police say Gates was arrested and briefly charged with disorderly conduct after he ignored warnings to stop haranguing an officer who asked him for identification inside his own home. Though Gates said he was not abusive and was the victim of racism, the police report said he told Sgt. James Crowley, "I'll speak with your mama outside."
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Contempt of Cop" is U.S. law enforcement jargon for perceived disrespect by citizens towards police officers. Disorderly conduct arrests may result to any perceived challenge to their authority, including a lack of deference, disobeying instructions, flight from the police or expressing interest in filing a complaint against the officer.
People go to jail in contempt-of-cop situations more than any reason nationally.
linkBlacks are arrested on 'contempt of cop' charge at higher rate
linkThis is what's known as the "thin blue skin" phenomenon. Challenge it at your own peril.
Thin blue skin?'Black and white' thinking in the US has many people thinking in absolutes rather than shades of gray. Police perceiving 'threats to public order' (their authority) and minorities perceiving unreasonable police demands in examining their behavior (racism) lead to ego dystonic situations (pissing contests).