A. 
The purpose of this policy is to set forth the legal, ethical, and affirmative duty of the Patterson Township Police Department, to intervene to prevent or stop misconduct and/or other problematic behavior.
B. 
This policy creates no new reporting requirements for members beyond their existing duty to report misconduct.
C. 
Instead, intervening can prevent or stop misconduct. When misconduct is prevented, there is no reporting requirement; however, members with the consent of the intervened-upon, may report a successful intervention. When misconduct occurs, it must be reported according to existing policy.
A. 
Ethical policing. The duty to intervene is reflected in the Patterson Township Police Department's statement of values and mission, in the law enforcement officer's code of ethics, and through Patterson Township Police Department's training. By actively preventing or stopping misconduct and/or other problematic behavior will preserve the integrity of the Patterson Township Police Department and promote a culture of accountability.
B. 
Officer safety and wellness. A member's duty to intervene is rooted in the Patterson Township Police Department's commitment to member safety and wellness. Member interventions that misconduct and/or other problematic behavior will lead to fewer citizens complaints, fewer member grievances, higher morale, and a healthier working environment. Preventing misconduct preserves job security and the integrity of all Patterson Township Police Department members, ultimately protecting members from jeopardizing their careers as a result of misconduct or, in some instances, as a result of a failure to intervene to prevent misconduct by others. In turn, a more accountable and healthy police department restores community trust, and aids in the shared policing goals of the community and the Patterson Township Police Department, which ultimately helps the crime fight.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
INTERVENE
To verbally or physically interact with another member so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events.
MISCONDUCT
Action, inaction, and/or failure to act by any member of the Patterson Township Police Department, civilian or sworn, that violates Patterson Township Police Department policy, the Constitution, or the law, including but not limited to criminal acts, applicable civil laws administrative rules, or regulations.
A. 
All members must recognize and act upon the duty to intervene to prevent or stop any member from conducting any act that is unethical or that violates law or policy, including, but not limited to:
(1) 
Excessive force, including intentionally escalating an encounter absent a lawful, necessary purpose;
(2) 
Stops, searches, and arrests that are unconstitutional or violate Patterson Township Police Department's policy;
(3) 
Retaliation against and individual participating in First Amendment protected activity;
(4) 
Theft/fraud/waste;
(5) 
Inappropriate language;
(6) 
Sexual misconduct;
(7) 
Harassment;
(8) 
Falsifying documents; and
(9) 
Inappropriate behavior to include profanity towards the public.
B. 
Additionally, members have an affirmative duty to intervene when they see actions that would discredit the Patterson Township Police Department, unsafe behavior and/or bad tactics, corner-cutting, and signs of a fellow member's stress and/or mental health issues that are affecting their performance.
C. 
Interventions may be verbal and/or physical depending on the urgency of the situation and the potential level of misconduct and/or problematic behavior.
Member:
A. 
Take a preventive approach, whenever possible, if observing behavior that suggests that another member is about to engage in unethical or inappropriate behavior.
(1) 
Examine the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the appropriate form of intervention.
(2) 
Intervene verbally or physically, depending on the circumstances.
B. 
Take an active approach to intervene to stop any unethical behavior or misconduct, when such conduct is being committed by another member.
C. 
If verbal interventions are not enough to stop the act, come between the offending member and the other individual involved when safe and feasible while preserving officer safety (e.g., maintain tactical advantage over a suspect).
D. 
If the other member is receptive to the intervention, and the unethical conduct is avoided, members may proceed with their duties. If no misconduct occurs, there is no reporting requirements.
E. 
If the other member is not receptive to the intervention and misconduct occurs, members shall immediately contact a supervisor to respond to the scene.