You are a police officer and just came upon a single-car accident at 3:00 AM in the morning, in a rural area with no houses, no witnesses, etc. The accident was caused because the operator (alone in the car) was drunk. As you approach him, he is conscious, uninjured and you realize he is an officer from your department. What are you going to do, and why?
Sample Solution
Sample Solution
- Assess the scene for safety. Make sure that the scene is safe for me and the other officer. This includes checking for hazards such as downed power lines or leaking gasoline.
- Check the other officer for injuries. If the other officer is injured, I would call for medical assistance.
- Make sure the other officer is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I would administer a field sobriety test to the other officer. If the other officer is under the influence, I would take them into custody.
- Document the scene of the accident. I would take photographs of the scene and collect any evidence, such as the other officer’s breathalyzer results.
- File a report. I would file a report of the accident with my department.
I would treat the other officer the same way I would treat any other driver who was involved in a drunk driving accident. I would not let my personal relationship with the other officer influence my decision-making. I would follow the law and the department’s policies.
Here are my reasons for taking these actions:
- To ensure safety. The first priority is to ensure the safety of myself, the other officer, and any other individuals who may be present.
- To protect the public. Drunk driving is a serious offense that can put the public at risk. By taking the other officer into custody, I am protecting the public from further harm.
- To uphold the law. It is my duty to uphold the law, even when it applies to my colleagues. By following the law and the department’s policies, I am setting a good example for other officers.
- To protect my own career. If I were to let the other officer off the hook, it could damage my own career. I could be accused of favoritism or corruption.
