What are two options a correctional officer has during a physical confrontation?

In a physical confrontation, a correctional officer's primary concern is safety for themselves, the individuals involved, and maintaining order in the facility. One effective strategy during such situations is to engage and then disengage. Engaging may involve attempting to intervene or control the situation to prevent further escalation, especially if there's a threat to safety. However, if the confrontation becomes too volatile or dangerous, the officer's best course of action may be to disengage, allowing them to reassess the situation, call for backup, or de-escalate in a safer manner.

This two-step approach recognizes that not every confrontation can be resolved with physical intervention. Engaging can help address immediate threats, while disengagement allows for a strategic retreat that prioritizes safety, ultimately facilitating a more effective resolution to the incident. In contrast, options such as merely observing or reporting do not actively participate in resolving the conflict and may leave individuals at risk, emphasizing why those alternatives are less effective in handling a physical confrontation.