If you see drugs on top of a big screen television across the room while arresting a suspect, what should you do?

When encountering drugs in a location that is not within immediate reach or control during an arrest, obtaining a search warrant is the appropriate course of action. This process ensures that you have the legal authority to search the premises and seize any evidence, in this case, drugs.

The foundation of this action lies in respecting constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires law enforcement to have probable cause and, usually, a warrant to conduct a search of a private residence or other areas. Without a warrant, any seizure of evidence could be deemed inadmissible in court.

Collecting evidence without a warrant can lead to challenges regarding the legality of the seizure, potentially jeopardizing the case against the suspect. In situations where immediate action might be warranted due to exigent circumstances, the legality of such actions would still be scrutinized, and it would be safer and more prudent to secure a warrant in this context.

Engaging the suspect for permission or leaving the drugs could lead to issues regarding evidence tampering or loss, and searching the area immediately without a warrant may violate the suspect's rights. Thus, the correct and lawful approach focuses on obtaining a search warrant before proceeding with any further actions regarding the drugs observed.