In the Jefferson County departments example, which sequence is correct for the filing order?

• A. 3, 1, 4, 2
• B. 3, 1, 2, 4
• C. 3, 2, 1, 4
• D. 2, 1, 3, 4

Answer: (B)

The sequence tests filing according to the records life cycle and department workflow. In a proper filing order, records should move logically from creation/receipt through indexing and handling, then toward final disposition. So the correct sequence is the one that starts with the department intake of records, followed by assigning or indexing those records so they can be found, then proceeding to the processing or work on those records, and finally applying retention/disposition and archiving. This flow keeps the chain of custody intact and makes retrieval straightforward across departments.

Other sequences disrupt this flow by placing later stages before earlier necessary steps—such as processing or disposition occurring without first receiving and indexing the records—leading to retrieval difficulties and inconsistent governance.