If a peace officer does not take temporary possession of a child, what should the officer do?

When a peace officer does not take temporary possession of a child, obtaining the child's current address and reporting to relevant authorities is crucial. This step ensures that proper channels are followed for the child's safety and welfare. Reporting to the appropriate authorities allows trained professionals to assess the situation comprehensively, as they often have the resources and protocols in place to protect vulnerable children.

While contacting the child's parents or conducting a home visit may seem like appropriate actions, they may not address the broader needs for intervention or assessment that are often required in such situations. If a child is in a potentially harmful environment, simply reporting to the school or talking to the parents might not ensure immediate safety or provide the structured support that a formal report to authorities would entail.