Physical evidence is any tangible object that can connect an offender to a crime scene. Biological evidence, which contains DNA, is a type of physical evidence. However, biological evidence is not always visible to the naked eye. DNA testing has expanded the types of useful biological evidence. All biological evidence found at crime scenes can be subjected to DNA testing. Samples such as feces and vomit can be tested, but may not be routinely accepted by laboratories for testing.
Some or all of the content on this page is excerpted from the online training courses What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence, developed under an award from the Office of Justice Programs' National Institute of Justice. See award product disclaimer.
