Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

What is the proper charge when an officer is physically assaulted?

1. Simple assault

2. Aggravated assault

3. Battery

4. Resisting arrest

The correct answer is: Aggravated assault

When an officer is physically assaulted, the appropriate charge is aggravated assault. Aggravated assault typically involves an attack that is more severe than simple assault, often involving the use of a weapon, significant injury, or the intent to cause serious harm. Given the nature of an attack on a law enforcement officer, which carries additional implications regarding the safety of the officer and the public, the act is viewed as more serious and warrants a charge of aggravated assault. Simple assault, on the other hand, might apply to minor injuries or threats of harm without the involvement of a weapon. Battery refers specifically to the unlawful physical act against another person but differs in the level of severity and intent compared to aggravated assault. Resisting arrest involves actions taken by an individual to prevent a law enforcement officer from carrying out their duties, which is distinct from the offense of assaulting an officer. Thus, the context and severity of the act establish aggravated assault as the proper charge in this scenario.