Under what circumstances must an officer intervene according to Duty to Intervene HB 3712 and SB 69?

The requirement for an officer to intervene, as outlined in Duty to Intervene HB 3712 and SB 69, explicitly addresses the use of force in situations where it may be excessive. This legislation mandates that if an officer observes another officer using force that surpasses what is deemed reasonable under the circumstances, they have an obligation to step in and prevent further action. The rationale behind this is to uphold standards of conduct and accountability in law enforcement, ensuring that officers actively participate in maintaining the integrity of their profession and protecting the rights of individuals.

In contrast, other options reflect different situations that do not have the same mandatory intervention requirement. An officer feeling personally threatened does not in itself establish a duty to intervene; rather, it highlights the need for personal safety. Witnessing a crime in progress or an officer requesting assistance may indicate situations requiring action, but they do not specifically relate to the criteria for intervening against unreasonable use of force. Thus, the focus on excessive force is what underpins the duty to intervene in this context.