What is a primary goal of an officer in a civil dispute?

The primary goal of an officer in a civil dispute is to safeguard persons and property. This involves ensuring that all parties involved are kept safe from harm and that no damage occurs to property during the dispute. Officers approach civil disputes with the intention of maintaining peace and order, rather than taking sides or escalating the situation.

In civil disputes, the role of the officer is not to arrest, as that usually pertains to criminal matters, or to provide legal advice, which is outside of their jurisdiction and expertise. Additionally, while an officer may observe actions that could be criminal in nature during a civil dispute, the primary focus remains on safety rather than investigating crimes. By prioritizing the safeguarding of individuals and property, officers help to defuse potentially volatile situations and can assist in facilitating communication between parties if necessary.