Can a police officer order any individual to take a taxi?

No. The officer is just trying to make sure the intoxicated person does not drive. If the person does not heed the advice of the officer and then does something stupid and gets charged, I guess that person only has his or herself to blame.

Well the person had probably done enough to get arrested under a disorderly person law, so the police are trying to be nice. I would just pay to cab fare and shut up. It is still cheaper than a lawyer.

The police officer may not have the power to force you to take a taxi but he has the power to arrest you for about a dozen things if you do not listen to him.

Sure, if the individual is stupid enough to listen!

Well cop could take the person into custody as an alternative. I do not think he has to order the person to take a cab. He could also let the person call for a ride.

What exactly would you do if the answer is no, it is illegal for a cop to order someone to take a taxi? If you want to sue the police, you have to give six months notice to the police department before you can even file suit. What are your damages? You have none. Do you think you can get an attorney on a contingency basis for this type of case? You actually would have to pay an attorney if there was even a case, which there is not. So, drop the matter and be thankful that you were not arrested for public drunkenness or something the cop might have made up for an arrest. They do that all the time and get away with it. It is the criminal defense bar that keeps America free.