What does the "duty to intervene" protocol entail?

The "duty to intervene" protocol establishes that law enforcement officers are required to take action when they witness another officer using excessive force or engaging in misconduct. This obligation emphasizes the ethical and professional responsibility of officers to prevent harm and protect individuals from inappropriate actions taken by their peers.

Under this protocol, if an officer observes another officer employing excessive force in a situation, they must step in and take appropriate action to halt that behavior. This may involve verbal intervention, physically stopping the misconduct, or reporting the incident to a supervisor, depending on the circumstances. The concept is grounded in the belief that all officers share a collective responsibility to maintain integrity and accountability within the force, ensuring that the rights and safety of individuals are upheld.

The other options do not fully capture this specific duty and its implications for officer conduct in the context of excessive force. While reporting misconduct and liability are important, the core focus of the "duty to intervene" is the proactive responsibility to stop another officer's inappropriate behavior.