Q: Can a city employee file charges for disorderly conduct against someone using foul language?
I am an employee for a city in Texas. I have been repeatedly harassed by one of the residents. Today, while taking a walk during one of my breaks, the resident pulled up next to me, slowed down, and started shouting swears at me. I know that Police Officers cannot be "offended" by foul language, but I am not a Police Officer. Can I be "offended" by this incident and press charges for disorderly conduct like any other citizen could?
A: Other citizens aren’t pressing charges, only DA’s offices can do that. And while it’s annoying to deal with someone shouting curse words at you, it’s harder to establish whether that’s actually illegal conduct. You can report that behavior to the police and let them know that it’s repeated, and maybe they’ll do something to stop it (like getting that info to the DA so charges can be filed, if appropriate.)
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
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