What act can classify as "obstructing" an officer?

Providing false information to an officer is considered "obstructing" because it interferes with the officer's ability to perform their duties effectively. When individuals give false information, they compromise the investigation or situation at hand, potentially leading to misunderstandings and preventing law enforcement from taking appropriate actions. This act can hinder the officer's ability to assess a situation accurately, gather necessary evidence, or make informed decisions, all of which are critical in law enforcement scenarios.

In contrast, encouraging an officer and following direct orders are actions that support law enforcement efforts and do not obstruct the officer’s work. Leaving the scene calmly also does not obstruct an officer and may instead indicate compliance with law enforcement presence. Thus, only providing false information directly qualifies as obstructing an officer’s duties.