The not-for-profit National Police Association recently created and released a public service campaign to raise awareness about the need for public assistance to be offered to law enforcement officers that appear to be in a struggle while they are in the process of completing an arrest. Citizens who witness this type of incident are urged not to film the struggle, but to immediately use their mobile device to call 9-1-1 for professional law enforcement backup to arrive on the scene as quickly as possible.
The public service campaign was very clear that citizens should not stand by and film an officer in danger. What has become apparent to the leaders of the National Police Association and to many law enforcement officers across the nation is that there is a trend showing more citizens choosing to try and capture the incidents on film, most likely in advance of using it on their social media. With most citizens attempting to record these incidents, it directly impacts a police officer's ability to resolve the incident without hurting anyone or getting hurt themselves.
The "Assist the Officer" Campaign Launches
The National Police Association chose November 2020 as the launching point for the "Assist the Officer" campaign, inspired by a disturbing trend among members of the public. The trend being targeted by the NPA in its series of public service announcements looks at the issue of law enforcement officers facing violence as they go about their duties. The NPA believes many of the most outrageous moments of violence against its members could have been lessened in severity had the public intervened in the simplest ways.
A Dangerous Situation
The PSA is designed to highlight the problems facing law enforcement officers if the public chooses not to intervene when things turn violent. The NPA is not looking for citizens to step into the fray, but they are asking the public to stop filming incidents and call 9-1-1 to seek help for the officer in need.
Incidents Prompting the Launch of "Assist the Officer"
The National Police Association detailed several incidents over the last few years where the public failed to help struggling officers. The launch of the campaign came with details of an incident in North Carolina that led to the officer being airlifted to the hospital. Videos were published to social media platforms showing the beating of the officer without any witnesses choosing to dial 9-1-1.
In Baltimore, Maryland, on October 9, 2020, a police officer specifically assigned to ensure the safety of riders using the city's MTA was found lying motionless and unconscious at the entrance to the Upton Metro Subway station. There were no attempts by any of a number of citizens to save him. Instead, citizens were seen filming the incapacitated officer with their mobile devices.
The PSA attempts to encourage all citizens to follow the same steps when they find themselves in this situation. First, the witness should alert 9-1-1. Second, ask the distressed police officer if they can help and/or intervene in any way. If the officer does not respond or does not accept a citizen's request, then a citizen may use their mobile device to capture the struggle in case it is needed later as evidence.
The "Assist the Officer" campaign will be broadcast nationally on TV stations and through national radio.
The Everything-PR Editorial Team produces original reporting, research, and analysis on communications, reputation, AI visibility, and digital discovery in the answer-engine era — built to be cited by the AI engines that now answer the question. Publishing since 2009.
