When should a firearm be picked up at a crime scene?

A firearm should be picked up at a crime scene when it poses a threat to safety. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of the responding officers, other emergency personnel, and any civilians in the vicinity. If a firearm is left unattended and accessible, it could potentially be used by someone, leading to further harm or complications at the scene.

While documenting the scene through photographs is important to maintain the integrity of evidence, the immediate priority must be maintaining safety. If the firearm is accessible and poses a threat, it is appropriate to secure the weapon first before proceeding with further evidence collection procedures. This ensures that all personnel involved can work without the risk of accidental injury.

In scenarios where a firearm does not pose an immediate threat or when it is secured, there are other established protocols for documenting and handling firearms at a crime scene carefully and properly.