In the context of child safety, who is a law enforcement officer allowed to deliver a child to?

A law enforcement officer is allowed to deliver a child to a person entitled to possession because this option is rooted in legal custody and guardianship laws. A person entitled to possession typically includes parents or legal guardians who have the recognized right to take custody of the child. This ensures that the officer is acting within the framework of the law, safeguarding the child's best interests by returning them to someone who has been legally designated to care for them.

The other choices could lead to potential risks for the child. Delivering the child to any individual present could result in placing the child in an unsafe or unsuitable environment, as that person may not have any legal right or responsibility for the child. Similarly, delivering the child to a judge is not appropriate in the context of immediate custody. A judge is a decision-maker in legal proceedings but is not a caretaker. As for returning the child to extended family, while they may have good intentions, they may not legally have the right to possess the child unless they hold a specific guardianship or custody arrangement. Hence, the most appropriate course of action for a law enforcement officer, ensuring adherence to legal protocols and child safety, is to deliver the child to a person entitled to possession.