Upon making an arrest, which step must a correctional officer complete?

Upon making an arrest, the essential step a correctional officer must complete is to complete paperwork without delay. This paperwork is critical for documenting the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the identity of the individual arrested, and any evidence gathered. Timely and accurate documentation is vital for maintaining clear legal records, ensuring the integrity of the arrest process, and facilitating subsequent legal proceedings. Ensuring that this paperwork is completed promptly helps to comply with procedures that protect both the rights of the arrested individual and the interests of law enforcement.

While other options may seem relevant, they do not represent the immediate responsibility of the officer following an arrest. For instance, notifying the media is not a standard procedure and could potentially compromise ongoing investigations or the privacy of the arrestee. Filing a report within 24 hours is a good practice but does not address the immediate need to complete all arrest-related documentation right after the event occurs. Providing a defense for the arrestee falls outside the realm of a correctional officer's duties and is typically the responsibility of legal counsel. Thus, timeliness and accuracy in completing paperwork is the most critical step in this context.