The location and condition of firearms and evidence at a crime scene should be diagramed and photographed before recovering and securing. Although physical evidence is important, safety must be the first concern. Each situation should be assessed before deciding to unload an evidence firearm. If the weapon is a type that can be safely transported in a loaded condition, this can be done. However, depending on the circumstances it may be risky to transport a loaded firearm. It should then be unloaded, with care taken to preserve all types of possible evidence. This evidence includes fingerprints, blood, hair or fibers, and debris in the barrel. The weapon should be handled on those areas least likely to retain latent fingerprints. If a weapon
