During a crowd-control incident, you observe one officer using excessive force; what is your ethical obligation?

• A. Ignore the incident to avoid confrontation.
• B. Wait for more evidence before acting.
• C. Use safe intervention if possible, document the incident, and report the misconduct through proper channels to support accountability.
• D. Encourage others to disregard the incident.

Answer: (C)

Witnessing excessive force establishes a duty to act in a way that protects people and upholds professional standards. If it’s safe to do so, intervene to halt or de-escalate the force, then immediately document what you saw—record the time, location, officers involved, actions taken, and any injuries or hazards. Preserve evidence when possible, such as securing video or getting statements from witnesses. Report the incident through the proper channels—your supervisor, internal affairs, or the department’s professional standards—to initiate an official review and support accountability. This approach helps prevent further harm, protects the public and officers alike, and maintains trust in the force. Ignoring the incident, delaying action for more evidence, or encouraging others to disregard it all undermine safety and ethics and fail the duty to protect and accountability.