Read the following excerpt: 'Section 4.02 outlines the protocol for contraband detection. All items not issued by the institution or approved through the proper channels are classified as contraband. Officers must log all confiscated items in the contraband register and secure them in the designated evidence locker within one hour of discovery.' An officer confiscates a small bag of tobacco an inmate received from a visitor, which is not an institution-issued item. What is the immediate next step?

Question: Read the following excerpt: 'Section 4.02 outlines the protocol for contraband detection. All items not issued by the institution or approved through the proper channels are classified as contraband. Officers must log all confiscated items in the contraband register and secure them in the designated evidence locker within one hour of discovery.' An officer confiscates a small bag of tobacco an inmate received from a visitor, which is not an institution-issued item. What is the immediate next step?

Answer options:

• Return the tobacco to the inmate's visitor.
• Dispose of the tobacco in the nearest waste bin. ✅ Log the tobacco in the contraband register and secure it in the evidence locker.
• Ask the inmate why they accepted the tobacco.

Correct answer: Log the tobacco in the contraband register and secure it in the evidence locker.

Explanation: According to Section 4.02, all non-issued or unapproved items are contraband. The prescribed next step for confiscated contraband is to 'log all confiscated items in the contraband register and secure them in the designated evidence locker within one hour of discovery.'