If a large amount of money or suspicious evidence is found, what should be done first?

In situations where a large amount of money or suspicious evidence is discovered, the priority is to alert the arresting agency. This is because the arresting agency is directly involved in the investigation and is responsible for handling evidence related to the case. Ensuring that the proper authorities are informed allows them to take necessary action, such as securing the evidence and determining the next steps in the investigation.

Letting the arresting agency know immediately is crucial for maintaining the chain of custody and ensuring that proper procedures are followed concerning evidence handling. Other steps, while important later in the process, would not take precedence. For instance, notifying local police could be an appropriate action, but it is typically part of a broader communication strategy rather than the initial response. Reporting to the media is not appropriate as it could compromise an investigation and violate legal protocols regarding evidence disclosure. Likewise, accounting for evidence in a ledger is essential for documentation but occurs after the evidence has been secured and the relevant authorities have been notified.