ABSTRACT
The search for a recovered firearm is most commonly a product of a statement by the person having used it regarding its location. In those instances, the firearm is corroborative evidence and only becomes pivotal if the person having led the police to the location recants the confession. The criminal investigator in charge of investigating the crime in which the suspect weapon was used should provide the information necessary to determine what type of recovery is needed. The dive tender maintains the quality of the search sweep, and all items detected are investigated by the diver. The evidence log will be used by the prosecution and the defense to establish or challenge the chain of custody. Maintaining a chain of custody is the responsibility of the state. The underwater investigator may be asked by the untrained dry-land investigator why the weapon has been placed in a container and why mud has been placed in another container.
