If you saw a law enforcement officer being attacked, what would you do?

[Tobra]

If you saw a law enforcement officer being attacked, what would you do? I think a reasonable person would say, "That depends."

If it were one person would you intervene on behalf of the officer, call 911, do nothing, jump in against the officer?

If it were two people, would you intervene on behalf of the officer, call 911, do nothing, jump in against the officer?

If it is three or more, what would you do?

[Dantilla]

"Jump in"? Never.

I was told by a self-defense instructor it is proper to ask the officer- "Would you like assistance?" before entering any confrontation, otherwise, you may be seen as another bad guy.

After an officer affirms they need help, you are sorta deputized, and that should keep any legal issues from coming your way later when the local prosecutor is filing charges.

[Noah930]

Would be willing to help. (The officer, not the attacker.)

[dan88911]

My first instinct would be to assist. Of course it depends on the situation.
And what Dantilla stated is something that has cross my mind.

[manbridge 74]

In 1915 it was do all you can to help the police.

In 2015 it's becoming more like, kill em all and let God sort it out.

[porsche4life]

Depends? Is there something big I can clock the bad dude over the head with? No sense in me jumping and us both getting killed! I'd certainly call 911 and do all I could to help, without endangering myself and others.

[island911]

I would, like our glorious leader Obama, inform the cop (getting the beat-down) that this was an understandable reaction, by the thug. --Thugs are so misunderstood. ...and if thug part of a minority victim-tribe, well... I think that I would then feel obligated to torch some random businesses ...to make it all fair. ...and, of course call in the Obama-Holder Race-Bait-Eruption-Squad. [/sarcasm]

[chocolatelab]

us population 316 million in 2013
sworn police 416k in 2008

quick statistics

id provide any help assistance possible.

[Bill Douglas]

I think in this country we have what's called "Good Samaritan Law" where you have to help someone who is in danger.

Morally. Yes I would help (the officer )

Me as a person. Yep, I'm usually up for some sort of drama.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I would strictly follow the advice that Southlake, Texas police chief Steve Mylett gives:

Originally Posted by Chief Mylett

“While we commend this citizen’s willingness to get involved in order to protect a victim of crime, the Southlake Police Department does not encourage the public to expose themselves in such a manner. Instead, we strongly recommend citizens who witness a crime in progress to contact the local police department by dialing the police emergency number 911.”

[dlockhart]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Not enough information or choices in the poll.
...

Concentration camp guards were law enforcement.

Because its the law does not make something noble or moral.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

I think in this country we have what's called "Good Samaritan Law" where you have to help someone who is in danger.

Most US states have "Good Samaritan Laws" but they do not obligate one to help someone in danger. Primarily, they protect a caregiver from legal liability if they are trying to help and end up making things worse.

As to the OP, helping people in need if you can is a moral obligation and has nothing to do with whether the person is a LEO or not.

[afterburn 549]

Originally Posted by dlockhart

Concentration camp guards were law enforcement.

Because its the law does not make something noble or moral.

True enough.

[sand_man]

I dunno. With my luck, police backup would arrive just as I was attempting to "help" and assume I was also a perp and blast me too!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Call 911, help if possible. I have friends that are cops, most of them are good dudes.

[flatbutt]

Call 911 and try to help in some way.

[Chocaholic]

I have no training or practical knowledge in these situations, and I'm guessing that applies to most people.

As such, involvement would most definitely complicate and increase volatility, not reduce it.

Call 911 immediately and remain in the vicinity as a credible witness.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Depends? Is there something big I can clock the bad dude over the head with? No sense in me jumping and us both getting killed! I'd certainly call 911 and do all I could to help, without endangering myself and others.

This. There are a million possible scenarios. If I can help without making things worse for sure I would help. I certainly would call 911 and say officer needs assistance and give the location at the very least.

[URY914]

Tell my wife, "Hey honey, jump in there and bite that guy. I'll stand back here and call 9-1-1."

[whiskyb]

If the cop does not want to toss me his sidearm I would be of no use