Under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, flipping off a police officer—also known as “giving the bird”—is considered protected speech and is not illegal in Arkansas or any other state. Courts at both the federal and state levels have consistently ruled that such gestures, as well as using profanity directed at law enforcement (like shouting “f— you”), are forms of free expression and cannot be the sole basis for arrest.
However, while the act itself is legal, it is not without risk. Police officers might still stop or detain individuals for other reasons, or attempt to justify a charge under disorderly conduct or obstruction statutes if the situation escalates. Courts have made clear that unless the behavior crosses into actual disorderly conduct (such as causing a public disturbance or interfering with police duties), merely flipping off a cop or using strong language is not grounds for arrest.
It is not illegal to flip off a police officer in Arkansas, but doing so could lead to an unpleasant encounter or secondary charges if the situation escalates. The First Amendment protects this form of expression, but it is generally not advisable to engage in such behavior due to the potential for additional complications.
Given your interest in police interactions and legal regulations, this aligns with your prior research into similar issues6.
Sources
[1] https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-court-says-yelling-expletive-at-a-cop-is-free-speech-not-grounds-for-arrest-2047476
[2] https://www.shubinlaw.com/flipping-off-police-officers-constitutional-federal-court-affirms/
[3] https://arkansaslawking.com/may-you-legally-tell-a-police-officer-fuck-you-in-arkansas/
[4] https://johnhelms.attorney/federal-court-upholds-right-to-flip-off-the-police/
[5] https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/110/1099/2568493/
