What must an officer do if they realize they are in a conflict of interest?

An officer facing a conflict of interest must disclose the situation to their supervisor and remove themselves from any involvement to maintain the integrity of the department and their role within it. This action ensures transparency and helps prevent any potential misconduct or the appearance of impropriety that could undermine public trust. By acknowledging the conflict and stepping back, the officer demonstrates a commitment to ethical standards and the importance of accountability.

In a professional setting, particularly in law enforcement, it is essential that officers act impartially and do not allow personal interests to influence their decisions or actions. This proactive measure protects both the officer and the agency from any future allegations of bias or misconduct.

Other options do not uphold these ethical standards effectively. Taking no action disregards the conflict that could lead to serious repercussions, while assisting in the situation could compromise the officer's judgment and integrity. Continuing duties without disclosing a conflict further perpetuates potential issues and damages the trust placed in law enforcement.