Q: Can I or my employer or organization be liable for reports submitted through the First Observer program?

A: Reporting suspicious activity generally will not result in civil liability for any subsequent law enforcement action taken on the basis of that report unless the report is made maliciously or in bad faith. Remember that a First Observer should take no action other than to observe, assess and report. It is up to law enforcement to respond, investigate and take any appropriate action. Simply reporting your observations of something that you think may be suspicious through the First Observer program will not make you liable for the consequences actions that law enforcement officers or others decide to take or not to take on the basis of your report.