What should an officer do if they smell marijuana during a home visit?

When an officer detects the smell of marijuana during a home visit, the appropriate course of action is to document observations and follow the established policy for search. This is important for several reasons.

First, documenting the observations provides a clear, factual record of the officer's experiences and findings during the visit. This documentation can serve as evidence should there be any disputes or further legal actions arising from the situation. It also protects the officer, ensuring they follow protocols that uphold professional standards.

Following policy for search is crucial because it ensures that any further action taken is legally justified and consistent with departmental protocols. Officers are trained to operate within specific legal frameworks to safeguard individual rights and adhere to constitutional protections. By adhering to policy, the officer is ensuring they respect the boundaries of the law while addressing the situation at hand.

Discussing marijuana usage with the probationer or leaving immediately without taking action may not effectively address potential violations of probation conditions and could compromise the enforcement of the terms of probation. Searching the property without documentation goes against proper procedure and could lead to legal issues regarding the admissibility of evidence. Thus, documenting the observation and following policy is the most responsible and legally sound approach.