When you witness an assault on site, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Notify police and supervisor; don't intervene physically unless necessary and safe; provide witness statements.
• B. Intervene immediately to stop the assault and detain the attacker.
• C. Record details only after the incident and do nothing else.
• D. Contact a colleague to handle the situation and continue with duties.

Answer: (A)

When a violent incident occurs, the priority is safety and getting professional help on the scene as quickly as possible. The best course is to notify police and your supervisor, and not to intervene physically unless you can do so safely and without escalating the situation. After contacting authorities, provide a clear witness account with what you saw, heard, and any actions you took. This approach minimizes personal risk, ensures a swift, organized response, and preserves evidence for investigators.

Intervening physically to stop the assault can escalate violence and put you and others in danger, and you may face legal liability. Recording details only after the incident misses critical moments that could aid in stopping the harm and understanding what happened. Relying on a colleague to handle the situation while you continue with other duties delays help and leaves the scene unsecured.