What must you do if you observe prohibited items during a legal search?

The correct course of action when you observe prohibited items during a legal search, especially if those items are in plain view, is to seize them. This principle is rooted in the legal doctrine of "plain view," which allows law enforcement officers to take possession of evidence of a crime without a warrant if they are lawfully present in the location where the evidence is found and the evidence is immediately apparent as an item that is contraband or illegal.

Seizing items in plain view is crucial because it upholds public safety and the integrity of the legal process. By taking these items, law enforcement officers can gather evidence that may be necessary for any subsequent legal proceedings and ensure that prohibited items are not returned to individuals who may misuse them.

In contrast, ignoring the items could lead to the potential destruction or concealment of evidence, which is detrimental to any investigation. Simply reporting to a superior or taking note for future warrants may delay action on important evidence and does not serve the immediate needs of law enforcement in a legal search context. Therefore, the act of seizing prohibited items when they are clearly visible and present during a legal search aligns with established legal procedures and the responsibilities of law enforcement officers.