Forensic Sciences: Type of Evidence
Evidence refers to information or objects that may be admitted into court for judges and juries to consider when hearing a case. Evidence can come from varied sources — from genetic material or trace chemicals to dental history or fingerprints. Evidence can serve many roles in an investigation, such as to trace an illicit substance, identify remains or reconstruct a crime.
NIJ funds research and development to improve how law enforcement gathers and uses evidence. It supports the enhancement and creation of tools and techniques to identify, collect, analyze, interpret and preserve evidence.
Learn more about:
Digital Evidence and Forensics
Digital Evidence Investigative Tools
Preventing Data Loss When Seizing Electronic Devices of Interest
Identifying Intrusion and Unauthorized Activities
Acquiring Data From Networked Computers
Enhancing "At-the-Scene" Digital Analysis Capabilities of First Responders
Digital Evidence Analysis Tools
Metadata Analysis and Extraction
Macintosh Digital Forensic Tools
Phishing and Spoofing Detection Tools
Digital Forensics Standards and Capacity Building
The Electronic Crime Technology Center of Excellence
Computer Forensic Tool Testing Program
Digital Forensic Guides
Digital Evidence in the Courtroom: A Guide for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors
Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders, Second Edition
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: An On-the-Scene Reference for First Responders
DNA Evidence Backlogs: Forensic Casework
DNA Evidence Backlogs: Convicted Offender and Arrestee Samples