New York State Court Officers Practice Exam

What is the First Step in the Clearing Procedure?

1. Remove the source of Ammunition (Release the Magazine)

2. Point the gun in a safe direction (no loss of life, minimal property damage)

3. Lock Slide to the Rear

4. Inspecting visually and physically (the chamber and magazine well)

The correct answer is: Point the gun in a safe direction (no loss of life, minimal property damage)

The first step in the clearing procedure is indeed to point the gun in a safe direction. This action is crucial for ensuring safety during firearm handling. By directing the firearm away from people and valuable property, the risks associated with accidental discharge are minimized. This precaution is foundational to maintaining safety before proceeding with other steps, as it sets a secure environment for further actions. The subsequent steps, such as removing the ammunition source and inspecting the chamber and magazine well, cannot effectively mitigate risk if the firearm is not initially pointed safely. Therefore, establishing a safe direction reinforces the principle of safety first in handling firearms, making it the logical first step in the clearing procedure.