Which scenario best reflects the duty to intervene?

• A. An officer witnesses excessive force and does nothing.
• B. An officer witnesses excessive force and intervenes.
• C. An officer uses force and then files a report.
• D. An officer calls the supervisor and leaves the scene.

Answer: (B)

Duty to intervene means you must act to stop excessive force when you witness it, to protect the person, other officers, and the integrity of the investigation. The scenario where an officer sees excessive force and steps in to stop it best reflects this duty: intervening to halt the misuse demonstrates immediate responsibility and takes steps to de-escalate, separate involved parties if needed, and summon help. It shows proactive behavior aimed at preventing harm and holding the situation to safety and accountability.

Not intervening fails to prevent harm on scene, which undermines safety and accountability. Filing a report after force has already been used doesn’t address the on-scene conduct, and leaving the scene after calling a supervisor abandons the duty to manage the incident in the moment.