What must a notary public do if they suspect a requestor has criminal intent regarding their notary journal?

A notary public has an obligation to maintain the integrity of their notary journal and protect the sensitive information contained within it. If a notary suspects that a requestor has criminal intent, denying access to any entry or entries is the appropriate course of action. This decision is based on the duty to prevent misuse of notarial acts and protect both parties involved in the transaction.

Denying access serves as a safeguard against potential fraud or other illegal activities that the requestor may be attempting to perpetrate. By denying access, the notary is taking a proactive stance to ensure that their services are not abused and that the trust placed in the notarial system is upheld. It's crucial for notaries to err on the side of caution in these scenarios, as granting access could inadvertently assist in unlawful activities.

In situations where there is reasonable suspicion but not enough evidence to confirm intent, seeking legal advice could be beneficial for understanding the notary's rights and responsibilities. However, immediately protecting the integrity of the notary journal and the notary's duties takes precedence. Reporting to law enforcement could be warranted depending on the severity of the suspicion, but the first step is to deny access to maintain security and integrity.