What precautions should law enforcement take when packaging narcotics?

When packaging narcotics, wearing gloves and a face mask is essential to protect law enforcement personnel from exposure to harmful substances and to prevent contamination of the evidence. Gloves serve as a barrier between the officer's skin and the narcotics, reducing the risk of direct contact with potentially dangerous or illegal chemicals. Additionally, wearing a face mask helps minimize the risk of inhaling particulate matter or fumes that may be present, which is particularly important when handling unknown substances.

The combination of these two protective measures ensures both the safety of the officer and the integrity of the evidence being collected. Proper evidence collection techniques are critical in law enforcement as they maintain the chain of custody and ensure that the evidence can be used effectively in legal proceedings. Taking precautions during the packaging process reflects best practices in handling potentially hazardous materials.

In this context, while gloves alone provide a level of protection, the introduction of a face mask significantly enhances safety and is therefore the stronger choice. The options related to field testing or using only plastic bags may not capture the immediate safety considerations when directly handling narcotics during packaging.