A Georgetown Law program helps local law enforcement agencies train officers on peer intervention when another officer breaks from protocol.
In policing, a lot has changed in terms of training, engagement, and requirements over the last 10 years. Following a number of tragic incidents, how officers de-escalate a situation and intervene with their peers has become a focal point for reforming policing practices. Some states have also passed legislation requiring officers to intervene with a peer or face repercussions such as discipline, loss of a job, as well as civil and criminal penalties. Even with such consequences, officers may hesitate to intervene when witnessing another officer behaving improperly, especially if that officer is a superior.
Innovative programs like Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) are helping agencies get officers up to speed on best practices for creating a police culture in which officers routinely intervene—and accept interventions—in order to:
- Prevent misconduct
- Avoid mistakes
- Promote officer health and wellness
In 2021 both Baltimore County and Anne Arundel joined an ABLE cohort of 115 law enforcement agencies to have their officers certified by the program as others prepare to come online with similar trainings. Additionally, an article from Police1 discusses the program, an officer’s duty to intervene, and the positive impacts on officer well-being.
Check out the Georgetown Law website for resources and training options.
