Do you believe bystanders have a responsibility to intervene when there is trouble?

2014-02-21T02:58:58-05:00

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 3:16 AM

2014-02-21T03:16:48-05:00

SFC Drake,

Luckily in America, we don't. There are countries that have the Good Samaritan laws, but they do not apply everywhere here. I find those to be a double edged sword. I am the type that has stopped and assisted numerous times to help someone in need. For the most part, I will intervene. However, if my safety is in danger, I will do whatever I can as safely as possible. Maybe some of this I can chalk up to the firefighter in me, but at the end of the day, I have to take care of number 1.

Often times I feel like a bad human being when I watch What Would You Do and realize that in many of those situations, I would not intervene. If life, limb or eyesight were at stake, I'd help. If it was just an ignorant person, I'd mind my own business. I am not a one man Team America: World Police bent on saving the world. However, I will do my part to defend the nation as a whole.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 3:36 AM

2014-02-21T03:36:32-05:00

Yes SFC Drake.

It is part of our Army Values Personal Courage.

V/R

1SG Haro

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 3:53 AM

2014-02-21T03:53:02-05:00

I think we are responsible to intervene; but why we need laws or written responsibilities
to tell us that we should help a human being in need. Good Samaritan laws are somehow
contradicting to its purpose; a person that wants to help would be more valuable
than one who is obligated to do so.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 5:13 AM

2014-02-21T05:13:18-05:00

Yes?

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Feb 21 at 2014 6:02 AM

2014-02-21T06:02:20-05:00

This is a tricky question... Sometimes when people intervene they make matters worse because they may not know what to do... or they may get in the way attempting to help someone on the scene where more qualified people are attempting to help... Since the situation vary, one can never really know whether their aide will help or harm so it is more of a gamble...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 8:39 AM

2014-02-21T08:39:28-05:00

I'd say it all depends on the situation. If I roll up on an accident, and the cops and firefighters and paramedics are already there, then they've got it under control. No reason for me to stop, as I'd only be in the way.

If I roll up on someone using a knife to mug someone else, well, let's just say that mugger will be about to have a very bad day. If they're using a gun, well, that's why I carry a cell phone on my belt. If I'm off post....I do have the option for concealed carry.
If I roll up on someone being stupid, and they hurt themselves somehow, sure I'll call the authorities to get them help, but that might be the extent of what I do...

Response by 1SG Calanski Brunson made Feb 21 at 2014 8:15 PM

2014-02-21T20:15:56-05:00

I was raised to believe we should help each other out no matter what the problem is big or small too me that is what makes the human race great when we put aside our personal difference and come together.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 4:42 AM

2014-02-22T04:42:21-05:00

I would say yes but it definitely depends on the situation as well as what kind of assistance they are capable of giving.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 22 at 2014 4:58 AM

2014-02-22T04:58:25-05:00

While I will not comment on ALL bystanders, I believe that I have a responsibility to intervene when there is trouble.  That is the way I was raised.  I believe that if I have an opportunity to help or to provide assistance to someone, I should.  There are those occasions where not intervening is expected.  Those would be scenarios like when paramedics or law enforcement officials are performing their duties and any intervention on my part would hinder the accomplishment of their job.  But by and large, if I can intervene to help someone out, I will. 

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 5:49 AM

2014-02-22T05:49:25-05:00

People say they would intervene if for instance they were witness to an accident or crime in progress such as child abduction, but like combat (although I have no combat experience) I believe you never really know how you will react until you are dropped into that situation.

In the heat of moment is when you discover who you are.

Its one of the reasons why I joined the Army. Wish I joined RA probably would have deployed by now...

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Feb 22 at 2014 11:29 AM

2014-02-22T11:29:21-05:00

SFC M.D.

The only people responsible to intervene when there is trouble are undercover law enforcement, or any law enforcement officer.

Any Bystander whom intervenes when there is trouble is doing so at there own risk.

The question here is what is your definition of the word trouble?

I like to bring up a situation: A male is hitting a woman, another male intervenes to protect her, the male whom is hitting the woman pulls out a gun from his hip, and points at the bystander and takes a shot at him killing the bystander.

Another situation, a man is having a heart attack, the bystander is a doctor and intervenes to save the victims life.

So that is depending on the bystanders choice to act, but they are not responsible.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 11:56 AM

2014-02-22T11:56:36-05:00

Bystanders have a responsibility to act whenever they see a crime being committed whether military or civilian. Failure to intervene is usually not acted upon by authorities however, their actions could become a crime depending how local laws and what force they use to stop the crime. Only you can be the judge of what action you should take; based on the crime being committed and your knowledge of your ability to interfere/stop it. The old adage "Don't bring a knife to a gun fight" comes to mind.

Your conscience should be your guide in these situations. Can you walk by and ignore what is taking place? Can you live with yourself if you know that you could have stopped someone from seriously injuring/killing their victim? Are you equipped to take action without further jeopardizing the victims or your own life? These are all questions you have to ask yourself in about 2 secs, because that is usually how long you have to react to these things, at most.

Much like in a combat zone, you have to make decisions based on your training and skills to affect the outcome of the given situation. In most cases, I think military members in general would be very quick to intervene in some shape form or fashion. It's just the nature of us all that serve in the Armed Forces.

Response by Ava S made Nov 14 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-11-14T12:06:14-05:00

I believe that people should do what they think is right. I t all depends on what kind of person you are. Some people are rude and do not help others, some try to hurt them. Others depending on who you were raised by and your life in general would have different responses to crime and injury. People should help. It is sort of there duty. Some people won't because they think someone else will but they might be thinking the same exact thing. A person will have to live with the guilt of not helping out. Every bit helps people.