What should you do if you apprehend an unauthorized absentee who is returning to base and appears orderly?

Permitting an unauthorized absentee who appears orderly to proceed is the correct response in this situation. The reasoning behind this choice centers on the assessment of the individual’s behavior and condition. If the person appears orderly, it indicates that they are not exhibiting any signs of being a threat or posing any security risks at that moment.

In many institutions, including military or semi-military organizations, there are protocols for dealing with unauthorized absentees. Often, if an individual is returning in a calm and composed manner, it may be more beneficial to let them continue while monitoring the situation. This can help prevent unnecessary escalation or confrontation.

In cases where a person seems disoriented, agitated, or otherwise problematic, contacting an officer or higher authority would typically be recommended for appropriate intervention. However, if the individual is orderly, it’s often sufficient to allow them to continue on their return while remaining aware of their presence and possibly reporting their return for appropriate follow-up later, thus maintaining safety and security protocols without unnecessarily disrupting the person’s act of returning.