What is the duty to intervene in use-of-force incidents?

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The duty to intervene in use-of-force incidents means that officers have an obligation to stop or intercede when they witness excessive force being used by others, if doing so is feasible and safe. This isn’t about waiting for a supervisor or only acting under certain conditions; it’s about recognizing when force is beyond what is necessary and stepping in to prevent harm, protect lives, and uphold professional and legal standards. The safety caveat matters a lot: intervene in a way that does not put you or others at greater risk, using available options such as verbal commands, creating distance, or breaking up the action when it can be done safely.

This aligns with training and policy that emphasize accountability and the protection of all parties involved. It’s not about encouraging suspects to cease resistance by themselves or waiting for others to act; it’s about active, prudent intervention by officers when excessive force is observed, provided it can be done without undue risk.