What should a law enforcement officer do if they find contraband?

The appropriate course of action when a law enforcement officer finds contraband is to report it to a supervisor. This ensures that proper protocol is followed, as the handling of contraband involves legal considerations and potential evidence collection processes. Reporting to a supervisor allows for the contraband to be documented and processed correctly according to departmental policies and procedures, and ensures accountability and legal compliance.

Choosing to ignore the contraband would not only jeopardize potential investigations but also violate ethical standards that law enforcement officers are expected to uphold. Storing contraband without proper authority may lead to legal implications and mishandling of evidence. Therefore, the correct action focuses on communication and proper chain of command that supports the integrity of law enforcement processes.