If a garage has a bullet hole, within how many hours must it be reported to law enforcement before any repairs are made?

• A. 24 hours
• B. 72 hours
• C. 48 hours
• D. 12 hours

Answer: (A)

Prompt reporting of a shooting-related property damage is about preserving evidence and enabling proper investigation. For a garage with a bullet hole, the policy is to notify law enforcement within 24 hours before any repairs are made. This quick reporting helps investigators document the scene, collect ballistic evidence, note entry points and trajectories, take photographs, and maintain the chain of custody. If repairs are done first, important evidence can be damaged or destroyed, hindering the investigation. The 24-hour window is a practical balance between acting promptly for safety and preserving potential clues, whereas waiting longer can increase the risk of losing or contaminating evidence.