Civilians helping out police

[meankitty]

There is one thing I was curious about. If a civilian helps out a cop who is struggling to restrain a suspect and cuff them, what is the police policy on this? Would the help be welcome, or would it be a liability or safety issue where the cop would have to tell the civilian to back off.

[Iowa #1603]

I would be happy as heck if someone helped me if I was in trouble

[CCCSD]

Thank You! Is my policy.
Had it happen a few times...

[RR_Security]

Even before you physically intervene, you might start out by saying loudly something like "Stop resisting and do what the officer tells you to do!" This lets the officer know you're not someone coming to aid the suspect. If the officer is wearing a body camera (or someone is nearby not helping because they're too busy with their camcorder or whatever), that can help show that the officer wasn't the only one telling the suspect to stop resisting.

[Lady Blue]

A lot of our jurisdiction is rural, and on more than one occasion I and my colleagues have had a good ol boy pull off the road and stand by just in case a little help is needed. When you are alone and the SHTF you will take help where ever you can get it.

[tj05]

I would be happy as heck if someone helped me if I was in trouble

Wait so civilians can actually help instead of standing around with their cell phones and recording it instead?

[hemicop]

I'd probably get the point across you're on the Officer's side before you step in. Most LEOs would welcome the help. I had a female Officer on my squad that needed help once. The Dept. actually gave the civilan some sort of award for his effort. Strangely, the civilan was the son of my wife's co-worker. He went home bragging about it & my wife came home asking questions about it, all on the same day. Kind of a weird deal if you ask me..........

[BNWS]

Help is welcome but most of the time they surround you and yell "He ain't done nothin".

[NYCDep]

Wait so civilians can actually help instead of standing around with their cell phones and recording it instead?

Only if they have already uploaded their world star video quotient for the day.

[Iowa #1603]

I'd probably get the point across you're on the Officer's side before you step in. Most LEOs would welcome the help. I had a female Officer on my squad that needed help once. The Dept. actually gave the civilan some sort of award for his effort. Strangely, the civilan was the son of my wife's co-worker. He went home bragging about it & my wife came home asking questions about it, all on the same day. Kind of a weird deal if you ask me..........

The last time I helped out an on-duty officer, I stated in a LOUD VOICE just before I stepped in "DEPARTMENT of CORRECTIONS" Then assisted in taking the person to the ground.

^^^^ That was about 6 months after I retired----and before I went back to Law Enforcement........after the scene was secure I explained to the on duty that I was RETIRED, He said he didn't care , he was just glad for the assist.

[RR_Security]

Wait so civilians can actually help instead of standing around with their cell phones and recording it instead?

Stunning, ain't it? Every so often there's a video with one or more (usually "big-boned") people helping out. I enjoy watching those.

It's gratifying to hear Sammy Streetlizard gasping out "I give up! Get him off me!"

[asullivan]

Wooper'z beg pardon, I twaz', in, and now out O' A.A.Coppa'...

My bad'z...

[Iowa #1603]

Wooper'z beg pardon, I twaz', in, and now out O' A.A.Coppa'...

My bad'z...

That's ok Sully---------------------------you been known to help a cop out a time or two

Especially when its Whack-A-Troll time

[Challenge Coin]

Helping is a mighty courageous and appreciable thing for the general public to do when an Officer is in need.

In contrast, there are things not appreciated...

I once had a relatively large, intimidating looking fellow in an equally oversize Ford pull up behind my unit while I was out on a traffic stop. After some rather abrupt words, he ended up telling me that he thought to "stand by" in case things got out of hand because he knew the person I had pulled over and the individual was "known to fly off the handle." The gentleman said he figured that since I was the "new badge in town" I probably wasn't aware of this person yet.

[meankitty]

Thanks. I didn't think about announcing that you're helping out, but it is a good idea.