Originally Posted by
kokonutz
Secondly, it was well outside of any authority the LEO had. As others have noted a cop's job is to warn, arrest or leave us the hell alone. The appropriate punishment and recompense (if any) for spilling the water is a matter for a judge, NEVER an LEO to decide.
This is incorrect. They can ask. You don't need authority to ask. And if she refused there's nothing they could have done about it except levy whatever charge they would have immediately after her act, if any.
Asking is not outside your authority. Punishing for failure to act may, but the mere asking? Nope.