What are the two types of evidence most commonly encountered in investigations?

The two types of evidence most commonly encountered in investigations are physical evidence and testimonial evidence. Physical evidence refers to tangible items that can be collected and analyzed, such as fingerprints, weapons, clothing, or biological samples. This type of evidence can be critical in establishing connections between suspects and crime scenes, proving the occurrence of a crime, or supporting investigative findings.

Testimonial evidence, on the other hand, includes statements made by witnesses or victims regarding what they observed or experienced. This type of evidence relies on personal accounts and can be crucial in providing context to the events surrounding a crime or incident. When combined, physical and testimonial evidence can create a more comprehensive picture of an investigation, allowing law enforcement agencies to piece together the facts and pursue leads effectively.

Other options present types of evidence that may have their applications, but they do not cover the foundational types regularly encountered in most investigations. For instance, while documentary and digital evidence can be significant, they are less encompassing than the broader categories of physical and testimonial evidence. Visual and circumstantial evidence refer to types of evidence that may support a case but are not as foundational as those that directly substantiate observations or materials. Finally, classified and forensic evidence denotes specific classifications and types that may fall under the broader categories but do