THE CHIEF'S VIEW

A trend being seen more frequently in society is one where people are getting physically involved in situations that they are not a part of. This is even more alarming as these situations often escalate out of control, resulting in injury and death.
I am not telling you to ignore the suffering or victimization of another person. What I am saying is that the best thing for you to do is to be a good witness. Call 911 and report what is going on. Stay on the phone with 911 until the police arrive and be willing to provide a detailed statement to the police.
If you choose to get involved, you may be criminally and civilly responsible for your actions, and the results of your actions. Good intentions will not be an excuse. Rarely will a person who is not directly involved have any legal authority or protection from the consequence of their actions when they choose to physically intervene in a situation. Don’t become part of the problem. If you want to help, you can film the incident while calling the police. Provide 911 with detailed descriptions of the people involved. Provide license plate numbers and direction of travel. Tell 911 what you hear people saying, and if there are any weapons involved.
It may not seem like you are “doing” something by being a good witness but, in fact, you are doing the best thing possible by providing 911 with the most accurate and up-to-date information that is available as we responders head to the scene.