What constitutes a "public order offense"?

A public order offense is primarily characterized as a minor crime that disrupts the overall peace and safety of the community. This concept encompasses various petty crimes that are considered harmful to society's collective order, such as disorderly conduct, loitering, and public intoxication. These offenses are often viewed as violations of the social norms that contribute to community well-being, hence their classification as public order offenses.

In contrast, felonies requiring high-level investigations are generally categorized separately from public order offenses due to their severity and the nature of law enforcement response needed. Violations of traffic laws, while they can disrupt public order, typically fall under traffic infractions or misdemeanors rather than directly being labeled a public order offense. Civil disputes that require mediation do not involve criminal behavior and are often resolved outside the criminal justice system, further distinguishing them from public order offenses. Thus, identifying minor crimes that impact community peace correctly describes what constitutes a public order offense.