After escaped inmates have been identified, what action is taken?

• A. Review mail and phone communications to determine possible destinations.
• B. Immediately release inmates to prevent overcrowding.
• C. Collect articles of their clothing using gloves and store the items properly.
• D. Canines are released to track the escape.

Answer: (C)

Preserving physical evidence is a primary priority once escapees are identified. Collecting articles of clothing worn by the escapees using gloves and placing them in properly labeled evidence containers protects the evidence from contamination and maintains the chain of custody. Those items can hold fibers, DNA, or trace materials that help investigators confirm escape routes, identify accomplices, or connect equipment to the scene. While other investigative steps may follow (surveillance review, searches, coordination with other agencies), the immediate, standard action to secure tangible evidence is careful collection and proper storage of the clothing.