In cases of malicious destruction where damage exceeds $1,200, what is the appropriate action for an officer?

When the damage from malicious destruction exceeds $1,200, the appropriate action for an officer is to make a felony arrest. This is based on the understanding that when the value of the damage caused meets or exceeds this threshold, it elevates the severity of the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony. In law enforcement, officers are trained to recognize the seriousness of the situation as it reflects a greater potential for harm and loss.

A felony arrest allows law enforcement to take immediate action against the offender who has caused significant damage, ensuring that the individual is held accountable and that the legal process can proceed appropriately. This step also reflects the law's intent to deter such actions by imposing stricter consequences on more severe offenses.

Other options, such as issuing a warning or summoning a judge, do not adequately address the level of severity indicated by the monetary threshold. Similarly, requesting permission to search may be relevant in other contexts, but it does not directly pertain to taking action against someone who has committed a felony-level offense of malicious destruction. Hence, making a felony arrest is the appropriate and necessary response in this scenario.