In a suspected terrorist incident, which entity is primarily responsible for collecting evidence?

• A. HazMat group
• B. Local Fire Department
• C. Federal Bureau of Investigation
• D. Law enforcement

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that evidence collection and preserving its integrity at a suspected terrorist incident are lead investigative tasks. Law enforcement has the primary responsibility because they coordinate the scene, secure and document it, seize physical and digital evidence, interview witnesses, and maintain the chain of custody. This ensures that items and information gathered at the scene can be used reliably in investigations and prosecutions.

Hazardous materials teams focus on identifying and mitigating hazards and may collect material samples to characterize the threat, but they don’t lead the evidentiary process. The fire department’s role is to control hazards, rescue, and protect life and property, not to manage the investigative record of the incident. Federal agencies like the FBI may take the lead if federal jurisdiction applies, but at most incidents the on-scene responsibility for evidence collection sits with local law enforcement.