In the case of discovering illegal substances during an emergency search, whom should FDNY members refer such evidence to?

When FDNY members discover illegal substances during an emergency search, the proper course of action is to refer such evidence to the police. This is due to the police's specialized training and authority to handle criminal evidence and investigations. Fire department personnel are primarily trained in fire safety and emergency response, while law enforcement officers are specifically tasked with enforcing the law and addressing criminal activities.

The police have established protocols for documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence related to illegal substances, ensuring that it can be effectively used in legal proceedings. This chain of custody is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the evidence gathered during the emergency.

In contrast, the fire chief, district attorney, and state police do not have the same direct involvement in handling evidence of illegal substances discovered in a setting not related to their specific responsibilities. The fire chief focuses on fire safety and operational command within the fire department, the district attorney is involved in prosecuting cases post-investigation, and the state police may handle specific law enforcement functions but would not typically be the first response for evidence of illegal substances found during an emergency search.