When a peace officer faces resistance while performing a duty, what must they do?

The most appropriate action for a peace officer facing resistance while performing their duty is to call for backup from other law enforcement. This ensures that the situation can be handled safely and effectively, with the necessary support to de-escalate any potential violence or conflict.

The rationale for this approach lies in the principle of ensuring both the officer's safety and the safety of the public. Using excessive force is counterproductive and could lead to legal ramifications for the officer, as well as escalate the situation further. Summoning citizens to assist could put those individuals in unnecessary danger and is not a standard or safe procedure for law enforcement. Retrying the duty without assistance may not be prudent, as facing resistance alone can lead to harm or complicate the situation without proper backup.

Calling for backup provides additional resources and expertise, allowing trained personnel to support the officer and address the resistance appropriately, thus maintaining order and ensuring compliance with the law.