Following an arrest, which action should a law enforcement officer take immediately?

The action that a law enforcement officer should take immediately following an arrest is to conduct a search incident to arrest. This is a legally recognized practice that allows officers to search a person who has been arrested and the area within their immediate control. The purpose of this search is twofold: to ensure officer safety by checking for weapons or contraband that the individual may attempt to use against them, and to preserve evidence related to the offense for which the individual has been arrested.

Conducting a search immediately after an arrest allows officers to secure the scene and mitigate potential risks. It is a critical component of standard law enforcement procedures and aligns with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, while still permitting thorough and necessary checks when an arrest has been made.

Promptly conducting a search also ensures that any evidence or contraband that might otherwise be discarded or hidden is located and documented appropriately, which can be vital for the ongoing investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.