If an officer witnesses a riot, what is their primary responsibility?

In situations such as a riot, the primary responsibility of an officer is to suppress the riot. This involves taking immediate action to restore order and ensure public safety. Officers are trained to assess the situation quickly and intervene appropriately to de-escalate the violence, protect civilians, and prevent further escalation of the chaos.

While documenting the event for reports, maintaining a safe distance, or calling for reinforcements may also be necessary parts of managing the situation, they are not the foremost responsibilities during the initial moments of witnessing a riot. The immediate focus must be on control and safety, as allowing the riot to continue can result in greater harm to individuals and property. So, the priority in such a scenario is direct intervention to suppress the disruptive behavior actively.