Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What are the two key guidelines to follow when recovering a firearm or ammunition at a crime scene?

1. Policy and procedures

2. Evidence and witnesses

3. Protocol and ethics

4. Techniques and strategies

The correct answer is: Policy and procedures

When recovering a firearm or ammunition at a crime scene, adhering to policy and procedures is essential for maintaining the integrity of the investigation. These guidelines provide law enforcement officers with established methods to ensure the safe handling and documentation of evidence, which is crucial in any criminal case. By following these protocols, officers can prevent contamination or tampering with the evidence, which could undermine the prosecution's case in court. Specifically, policies outline the legal and procedural framework within which officers must operate, ensuring that their actions comply with the law and established best practices. This includes documenting the evidence’s location, securing it properly, and following proper chain-of-custody protocols. Procedures may also dictate how to safely handle potentially dangerous items like firearms to minimize risks to both the officers and the public. While other options touch on important aspects relevant to crime scene investigations, they do not encompass the critical nature of adhering strictly to policy and procedures in the context of firearm and ammunition recovery.