What action should police never take when preparing a firearm for evidence submission?

When preparing a firearm for evidence submission, police should never attempt to fire the gun. This action can compromise the integrity of the evidence for several reasons. Firing the weapon could potentially alter the firearm's condition, affecting the ability to trace ballistics or other forensic evidence associated with the firearm, such as fingerprints or DNA. Additionally, discharging a firearm in an uncontrolled environment poses safety risks and legal consequences.

Maintaining the firearm in its original state is crucial for ongoing investigations and any potential court proceedings. Thus, safeguarding the evidence while ensuring it is preserved in the condition in which it was discovered is of utmost importance. Other actions, such as marking the serial number, securely packaging the firearm, and delivering it in person, are standard practices that contribute to proper evidence handling.