What are the two main categories of evidence typically collected at a scene?

• A. Digital evidence alone.
• B. Documentary evidence only.
• C. Testimonial evidence only.
• D. Physical evidence (fingerprints, DNA) and documentary or testimonial evidence.

Answer: (D)

Evidence at a scene is typically gathered in two broad forms: physical evidence and documentary or testimonial evidence. Physical evidence comprises tangible items that can be collected and analyzed—fingerprints, DNA, fibers, tool marks, bullets, footwear impressions, and other traces left behind. Documentary or testimonial evidence covers records, photographs or video records, and statements from witnesses about what happened, providing context, timelines, and credibility to the scene reconstruction. Digital evidence often fits within these categories as records or traces from electronic devices, but the strongest, most complete approach includes both physical traces and the information from documents or witness accounts. This combination ensures you capture objective material links and the narrative context that explains how events unfolded.