One of my team has disclosed that they have witnessed a stabbing and subsequently have been stalked by young people who are threatening him not to give any information to the police. He is not planning to tell the police but I am very uncomfortable about this.
I'm not surprised you are uncomfortable – ethically, there should be no question that your colleague should report both of these incidents to the police, although I can understand his reluctance to do so. In my view, your role is to encourage him to go to the police, though it is, of course, for your colleague to make the final move. Whatever you do, you should ensure this information is shared with your line manager to get another opinion so that you will not be seen to be in any way colluding with your colleague.
Tracie Trimmer-Platman is senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London. Email your workplace dilemmas to asktheexpertywn@hotmail.co.uk
I'm not surprised you are uncomfortable – ethically, there should be no question that your colleague should report both of these incidents to the police, although I can understand his reluctance to do so. In my view, your role is to encourage him to go to the police, though it is, of course, for your colleague to make the final move. Whatever you do, you should ensure this information is shared with your line manager to get another opinion so that you will not be seen to be in any way colluding with your colleague.
Tracie Trimmer-Platman is senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London. Email your workplace dilemmas to asktheexpertywn@hotmail.co.uk
