What should be done with items identified as prohibited during screening?

• A. Return them to the person after a pat-down.
• B. Allow the item in with no documentation.
• C. Seize and document as necessary per policy; secure items.
• D. Hide them for later disposal.

Answer: (C)

Prohibited items identified during screening must be seized, documented, and secured. This protects safety and ensures accountability. When such an item is found, the officer should take immediate control of it, create a clear record (item description, time, location, any identifying details about the owner), and tag or label it as prohibited. The item then goes into a secure container or area that preserves the chain of custody. After securing it, follow the agency’s policy for disposition—usually involving notifying a supervisor and turning the item over to the appropriate authority or placing it in controlled storage for proper disposal or seizure.

Returning the item to the person after a pat-down, allowing the prohibited item in without documentation, or hiding it for later disposal would bypass safety controls, create accountability gaps, and may violate policy or law.