What should a detention officer do if they observe a fellow officer behaving unprofessionally?

Reporting the behavior to a supervisor is the appropriate course of action for a detention officer who observes a fellow officer behaving unprofessionally. This process ensures that the issue is addressed appropriately and maintains the integrity of the facility. By escalating the concern to a supervisor, it allows for proper investigation and action to be taken, which is essential for maintaining professional standards within the agency.

Furthermore, directly confronting the officer might lead to conflict or not resolve the underlying issue effectively. Ignoring the behavior, even if it seems not to directly affect inmates, can allow a negative culture to persist and potentially impact overall operations. Documenting the behavior without reporting it does not contribute to addressing the problem and could result in further issues later on.

By reporting to a supervisor, the officer takes responsible action that aligns with the expectations of maintaining professionalism and safety in the detention environment.