How should officers handle hazardous items found at a scene to protect safety and preserve evidence?

• A. Do not touch; isolate, secure, tag and log, document its location, and transfer to proper evidence custody with chain of custody.
• B. Move them to the vehicle
• C. Handle with bare hands
• D. Destroy them

Answer: (A)

When hazardous items are found, safety and evidence integrity must drive every action. Do not touch the item; instead, isolate the area to prevent exposure or contamination and secure the scene with a clear perimeter and restricted access. Tag and log the item with a unique identifier, time, and exact location, and document its context with notes and photos from a safe distance. Transfer the item to proper evidence custody using the department’s chain of custody procedures: seal it in an approved container, label it, and record every person who handles it and when. Only trained personnel with appropriate PPE should move or manipulate the item, and call HazMat or equivalent specialists if needed. Destroying it or handling it with bare hands would endanger safety and destroy or contaminate evidence.