An anonymous tip is rarely enough; a deputy must independently confirm the tip.

• A. Accept as fact
• B. Ignore
• C. Independently confirm
• D. Report to supervisor

Answer: (C)

Independent corroboration is required when an anonymous tip is received. An anonymous tip by itself is unreliable, so you need observable, verifiable facts obtained through your own observations or reliable corroboration from independent sources before taking action. This approach protects rights, reduces bias, and helps establish a solid basis for any enforcement steps. Accepting the tip as fact would rely on unverified information, which could lead to improper actions. Ignoring it would risk missing legitimate leads, and while reporting to a supervisor can be part of the process, it doesn’t replace the need for independent confirmation.