When witnessing unethical behavior by a colleague, which action is appropriate?

• A. Ignore completely.
• B. Intervene and report the unethical conduct.
• C. Post about it on social media.
• D. Gossip about the colleague.

Answer: (B)

When you witness unethical behavior, acting to intervene and report through the proper channels is what upholds professional integrity and protects both people and the public. Intervening, when it’s safe to do so, helps address the behavior in the moment and signals that such conduct won’t be tolerated. Following up with a formal report ensures the issue is reviewed by the right officials, decisions are made through established processes, and corrective action can be taken.

Context matters in law enforcement: integrity is foundational to trust, effective investigations, and accountability. Document what you observed with dates, times, and any evidence, and use the department’s official reporting channels—such as a supervisor, internal affairs, or a ethics/compliance office—while preserving confidentiality and avoiding retaliation. Choices like ignoring the behavior or airing it publicly through social media or gossip undermine due process, erode trust, and can create additional harm or legal exposure.