If a significant amount of money or suspicious evidence is found during an inventory, to whom should it be reported?

Reporting significant amounts of money or suspicious evidence discovered during an inventory to the arresting agency is crucial for several reasons. The arresting agency often has primary jurisdiction over the investigation related to the evidence, including whether the items found could be related to ongoing cases or criminal activities. By informing the arresting agency, you ensure that the evidence can be processed appropriately, following the chain of custody, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of the evidence throughout any legal proceedings. This agency is also equipped to handle the legal implications and investigative follow-ups that may arise from the discovery, supporting overall law enforcement efforts.

In contrast, while the warden, local police, and court system might play roles in different aspects of a detention or legal process, they do not have the same immediate connection to the original investigation as the arresting agency. The warden may be responsible for the facility’s internal policies, local police might assist in maintaining the law within the community, and the court system addresses legal judgments and trials, but the arresting agency is best positioned to take appropriate action on the discovered evidence right away.