If a prisoner ingests drugs, what action must officers take?

When a prisoner ingests drugs, the safety and health of the individual are paramount. Officers should refrain from attempting to retrieve the drugs because this action could potentially endanger both the officer and the prisoner. Retrieving substances ingested by a person can lead to complications such as choking or exacerbating any adverse effects already caused by the drugs.

Instead, the correct action is to prioritize getting the individual the medical assistance they need. Requesting immediate medical attention ensures that qualified medical personnel can assess the situation and provide the necessary care, which is critical in situations involving drug ingestion. This aligns with protocols that emphasize health and safety over other considerations, such as securing evidence.

Isolating the prisoner or trying to retrieve the drugs may not adequately address the immediate health risk that ingesting drugs presents, making it essential to focus on medical intervention as the primary response.