A gun should be collected using which of the following methods as the first step?

• A. Unload the gun
• B. Swab the gun for prints
• C. Place in an evidence bag
• D. Use metal forceps to pick up the gun by the barrel

Answer: (B)

Preserving fingerprint evidence on a firearm is essential because latent prints can connect a person to the weapon. Handling or moving the gun before documenting prints risks wiping away or contaminating those prints, which could weaken or lose critical links to suspects. Swabbing the gun for prints focuses on capturing these trace impressions early, while the firearm remains in a state close to how it was found, helping ensure the prints are collected before any other processing that might disturb them. Unloading the gun changes its condition and can destroy or alter evidence, and should be done only by trained personnel after prints have been secured. Placing it in an evidence bag before print collection could compromise or obscure prints and interfere with the recovery process. Handling the gun with forceps by the barrel risks damaging prints and contaminating the evidence. By prioritizing prints first, investigators maximize the chance of recovering identifiable fingerprints and maintain the firearm’s integrity for subsequent steps.