What should an officer do if an individual refuses to sign a citation?

When dealing with a situation where an individual refuses to sign a citation, the appropriate action for an officer is to take the individual into custody. This is because the refusal to sign can be interpreted as a refusal to comply with the officer's lawful orders, which may necessitate further enforcement actions.

By taking someone into custody, the officer ensures that the individual's refusal does not escalate into a situation that could potentially threaten public safety or disrupt the order. It is also important to note that signing a citation does not imply an admission of guilt; it is merely an acknowledgment of receipt. When an individual refuses, it can complicate the enforcement of the law, thus justifying the need for the officer to detain the individual to ensure compliance and address the refusal appropriately.

This approach ensures that the legal process is upheld and maintains the authority of law enforcement in addressing infractions.