§ 12-11-102 - Unlawful assembly of twenty or more persons. - Arkansas Statutes

12-11-102. Unlawful assembly of twenty or more persons.

(a) When persons to the number of twenty (20) or more are unlawfully or riotously assembled in a city or town, the county sheriff of the county, his or her deputies, and the other peace officers and magistrates of the city or town, together with the mayor or other chief officer of the city or town, must go among the persons assembled or as near them as possible and in the name of the state command them to disperse.

(b) If the persons assembled do not immediately disperse, the magistrates and officers must arrest them or cause them to be arrested so that they may be punished according to law, and the magistrates and officers may command to their aid all persons present or in the county.

(c) If the persons commanded to aid the magistrates and officers neglect to do so without just cause, they shall be treated as a part of the rioters and punished accordingly.

(d) If a magistrate or officer named in this section, having notice of an unlawful or riotous assembly, neglects to proceed to the place of assembly, or as near as he or she can with safety, and exercise the authority invested in him or her to suppress the assembly and arrest the offenders, then the magistrate or officer is guilty of a misdemeanor.