If a colleague uses excessive force, what is the expected action?

If a colleague uses excessive force, what is the expected action?

• A. Do nothing and wait for supervisor.
• B. Intervene if safe to do so, stop the improper action, and report the incident through proper channels.
• C. Use force yourself to stop them.
• D. Record only after the incident.

Answer: (B)

When witnessing excessive force, the priority is to stop the harm if it can be done safely and to report it through the proper channels. Intervening safely helps protect the person being harmed and others, prevents further escalation, and demonstrates a commitment to the organization’s standards. After stopping the action, report the incident through the established process so it can be investigated and documented, and appropriate accountability can be determined. Intervening only after the incident or relying on waiting for a supervisor would delay protection and accountability. Using force yourself to stop them can create additional risk and liability if not clearly necessary or proportionate. Recording details after the fact, without timely documentation and witness accounts, can hinder the integrity of the report and investigation.

When witnessing excessive force, the priority is to stop the harm if it can be done safely and to report it through the proper channels. Intervening safely helps protect the person being harmed and others, prevents further escalation, and demonstrates a commitment to the organization’s standards. After stopping the action, report the incident through the established process so it can be investigated and documented, and appropriate accountability can be determined.

Intervening only after the incident or relying on waiting for a supervisor would delay protection and accountability. Using force yourself to stop them can create additional risk and liability if not clearly necessary or proportionate. Recording details after the fact, without timely documentation and witness accounts, can hinder the integrity of the report and investigation.