Observation & ReportsQuestion 129 of 200

A guard is served with a civil subpoena to testify at deposition or trial about an observed incident. The guard should:

a.Ignore the subpoena unless paid in advance
b.Notify the PPO/employer and counsel immediately, preserve all notes and the original incident report, comply with the subpoena, and review materials before testifying to refresh recollection — failure to comply may result in contempt under CCP §1991
c.Destroy the incident report so it cannot be used
d.Refuse to answer all questions citing privacy

Explanation

A properly served subpoena under CCP §§1985-1987 is a court order — non-compliance can result in contempt sanctions (CCP §1991), monetary penalties, and bench warrants. The guard should immediately notify the employer's risk-management and legal team, preserve every relevant document (destruction during litigation is spoliation, with severe sanction consequences), and review materials before testimony to refresh recollection under Evidence Code §771. The PPO will often coordinate with counsel for the guard. Privacy objections (d) generally do not shield witness testimony about observed events. Ignoring the subpoena (a) and destroying records (c) are serious mistakes.

Law Reference: Cal. Code of Civil Procedure §§1985-1987

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