What is the term for a situation in which law enforcement stands by to keep the peace during a civil dispute?

The term "civil standby" refers to a scenario in which law enforcement officers are present to maintain peace during a civil dispute, ensuring that the situation does not escalate into violence or further conflict. This typically occurs when two parties are engaged in a disagreement that isn’t criminal in nature, such as a family dispute or the retrieval of personal property, and one or both parties may feel threatened or unsafe. Law enforcement's role as a neutral party helps to provide a sense of security for individuals involved in the dispute.

In this context, other terms listed do not accurately capture this specific role of law enforcement during a civil dispute. A protective order typically involves a legal document issued by a court to protect an individual from harassment or harm, requiring a person to stay away from the individual. Judicial intervention refers to court actions taken to resolve disputes, often involving legal authority and rulings by a judge. A peacekeeping operation generally implies a broader context, often involving military or international forces in conflict zones to monitor and facilitate peace. Thus, "civil standby" specifically identifies the law enforcement function relevant to civil disputes, making it the correct term for this scenario.