If an offender tests positive for illegal substances, what is the first step an officer should take?

The first step an officer should take when an offender tests positive for illegal substances is to have the offender sign a positive drug test statement. This step is crucial because it formally documents the result and serves as an acknowledgment by the offender of the test outcome. By having the offender sign, it ensures that there is a clear record of the offender's awareness of the positive result, which is important for any subsequent actions or proceedings.

Additionally, this signed statement can be vital for maintaining the integrity of the testing process and serves to uphold due process by ensuring the offender is informed and acknowledges the result before any further actions are taken. This helps to establish a procedural standard that can be referenced in accordance with policy and legal frameworks related to substance abuse monitoring and enforcement in a correctional or probation context.