If a member receives a US Secret Service hit on a person, what action should they take?

When a member receives a US Secret Service hit on a person, the proper action is to contact the watch commander. This step is essential because the watch commander is responsible for coordinating responses to significant alerts or threats and ensuring that all appropriate protocols are followed. By notifying the watch commander, the member ensures that the situation is escalated appropriately, and any necessary actions, such as detaining the person if warranted, are taken under the guidance of a supervising officer.

In this context, the watch commander possesses the authority to make decisions based on the alert and the particular situation, including whether to engage further with law enforcement partners like the Secret Service. Therefore, reporting the hit directly allows for a structured and informed response rather than acting independently.

While detaining the person might seem like a direct approach, it is vital that such action is coordinated and authorized by a higher authority to maintain proper procedures and avoid any potential legal issues. Simply ignoring the alert could put individuals at risk and compromise safety protocols, while reporting the incident in the daily log would not provide the immediate action required in response to a serious alert. Thus, contacting the watch commander is the most appropriate and effective response.