South Dakota Law Enforcement (LE) Reciprocity Practice Test 2026 - Free LE Reciprocity Exam Questions and Study Guide

A child may be taken into temporary custody by a law enforcement officer when they are abandoned or seriously endangered. This provision exists to protect the child's safety and welfare. When a child is left without supervision or is in a situation that poses a significant risk to their health or well-being, law enforcement has the authority to intervene and ensure the child's immediate safety.

The scenario of abandonment can include situations where a child is left unsupervised in dangerous environments or where caregivers are unable to provide necessary care and protection. The paramount concern in these cases is the protection of the child, which justifies the temporary custody by law enforcement until a safe solution can be established.

In contrast, being with a guardian does not warrant custody since the guardian is typically responsible for the child's safety. A child being in a public setting alone does not imply danger or endangerment. Lastly, while a child committing a crime could lead to involvement from law enforcement, it does not directly pertain to the conditions for taking a child into temporary custody unless there is an immediate safety concern.