In what circumstance may an officer take control of property?

An officer may take control of property if probable cause exists to believe it is stolen. This is rooted in the principles of law enforcement regarding the protection of property and the enforcement of laws against theft. When an officer has probable cause, it suggests that there are sufficient facts and circumstances within their knowledge that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property in question is stolen.

Taking control of stolen property applies not only to safeguard the property but also to ensure that it can be returned to its rightful owner. This authority to act is pivotal in preventing the further distribution or concealment of stolen items, thereby supporting law enforcement’s role in maintaining order and protecting the community's interests.

While complaints, requests from other officers, and abandoned property might contribute to an officer's decision-making, they do not independently provide the legal foundation necessary for taking control of property as strongly as probable cause does in this context.