If a firearm is left unattended by a member of the public, what should you do?

If a firearm is left unattended by a member of the public, what should you do?

• A. Conceal the weapon and continue patrolling.
• B. Do not touch; secure weapon if safe to do so, call law enforcement or supervisor, and follow agency protocol for securing and reporting.
• C. Move the weapon to a secure location and claim it's found property.
• D. Sell the weapon to a bystander.

Answer: (B)

Unattended firearms are a safety risk that requires immediate, proper action. Do not handle the weapon unless you can do so only if it is safe and you can secure it without risk of discharge. If you can safely secure it, place it in a secure location and prevent access, then contact law enforcement or your supervisor and follow the agency’s procedures for securing and reporting found firearms. This approach preserves safety, maintains the chain of custody, and ensures trained personnel handle verification, removal, and documentation. Do not conceal the weapon, move it to pretend it’s found property, or sell it, as those actions could endanger people and violate laws and policy.

Unattended firearms are a safety risk that requires immediate, proper action. Do not handle the weapon unless you can do so only if it is safe and you can secure it without risk of discharge. If you can safely secure it, place it in a secure location and prevent access, then contact law enforcement or your supervisor and follow the agency’s procedures for securing and reporting found firearms. This approach preserves safety, maintains the chain of custody, and ensures trained personnel handle verification, removal, and documentation. Do not conceal the weapon, move it to pretend it’s found property, or sell it, as those actions could endanger people and violate laws and policy.