Do Coast Guard units and personnel have a "duty to retreat" in law enforcement situations?

Coast Guard units and personnel do not have a formal "duty to retreat" in law enforcement situations, but it is important to recognize that retreat can often be a reasonable and tactically sound option. The essence of law enforcement actions is to ensure the safety of individuals, including both the public and the personnel involved. Laws and policies emphasize the use of reasonable force, and personnel are trained to assess situations critically.

In scenarios where the risk of confrontation poses an unwarranted threat to safety, it is prudent and acceptable for personnel to withdraw and reassess rather than escalate a potentially dangerous confrontation. This approach aligns with the principles of de-escalation, which aim to minimize harm while maintaining peace and order.

Additionally, context matters—each situation may dictate different responses based on the environment, the behavior of individuals involved, and the overall risk assessment. Therefore, the absence of a strict duty to retreat allows units to use their judgment to act appropriately based on the circumstances they encounter.