What is a lieutenant's main responsibility after an inmate altercation?

The main responsibility of a lieutenant after an inmate altercation is to document the incident and report it to superiors. This is crucial for several reasons. First, accurate documentation serves as a record of the incident, capturing the facts, observations, and any other relevant details that may be critical for future reference or investigations. This documentation also ensures that there is an official account of the events that transpired, which is essential for accountability and transparency within the correctional facility.

Moreover, reporting to superiors is vital for maintaining the chain of command and ensuring that higher-level authorities are informed about significant incidents within the facility. This allows for appropriate responses, resources to be allocated if necessary, and for any potential policy or procedural changes to be considered based on the incident.

The other options do not encompass the primary and systematic responsibility of a lieutenant after an altercation. While conducting informal interviews, providing medical assistance, or transferring inmates may be part of the broader response to an incident, these actions are secondary to the paramount task of proper documentation and reporting. Engaging in these other activities without first documenting the incident could lead to incomplete reports and missed opportunities for addressing systemic issues related to inmate safety and facility management.