Question

Quentin, a crime scene investigator, has discovered a gun at a crime scene. Which of the following is the proper procedure for preparing it for transfer to the lab?

Answer 1

A crime scene investigator should photograph the gun with a scale, handle it minimally, wear gloves, package it securely with clear labeling, maintain the chain of custody, and transport it to a forensic lab such as the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory for further analysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a crime scene investigator like Quentin discovers a gun at a crime scene, the appropriate course of action involves ensuring the integrity of potential evidence. Initially, he should photograph the gun in place with a scale indicator, such as a ruler or a coin, to provide an accurate record of its size and position. After documenting, Quentin must ensure that the gun is handled minimally, wearing gloves to prevent contamination of DNA or fingerprints. The gun should be placed in a properly labeled tamper-evident container, sealed, and the exterior marked with an evidence number, the case number, and the investigator's initials. It's critical to maintain the chain of custody by having an evidence log where each person who handles the gun signs off, recording the date and time.

Specimens like a gun may have surface structures or projectiles that are delicate and require cautious handling to avoid altering any evidence. If the firearm is too fragile for handling, Quentin may need to consult with experts at the lab on how to proceed. Once prepared, Quentin should transport the packaged evidence to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory or a similar facility where forensic analysis, such as DNA extraction, can be performed under controlled conditions.

Answer 2

The proper procedure for preparing the gun for transfer to the lab is as follows:

1. Document the location of the gun at the crime scene, taking photographs if necessary to show its position and any markings or damage.

2. Use gloves and other appropriate protective gear to handle the gun to avoid contaminating it with fingerprints or other evidence.

3. Seal the gun in a plastic evidence bag or a paper bag that is then placed inside a larger evidence bag. Label the bag with the date, time, and location of where the gun was found.

4. If there is any live ammunition or other potential hazards, handle them separately, and package them in a similar manner.

5. Record all the information related to the gun in a chain of custody form, which includes the names of all persons who handled the evidence from the time it was found until it reaches the lab.

6. Transfer the gun and all related evidence with the proper chain of custody documents to the lab for further examination and analysis.

lanation: