Which item is considered a part of physical evidence?

Physical evidence refers to tangible items that can be collected and analyzed during an investigation. DNA samples from the body are a prime example of physical evidence because they are biochemical materials that can provide crucial information about the victim, the perpetrator, or even both. DNA can be analyzed through various forensic techniques to establish identity, determine relationships, and link a suspect to a crime scene, making it a vital component in crime scene investigations.

Other options, while important in the investigative process, do not fall under the definition of physical evidence. Witness statements and police reports provide narrative accounts and interpretations of the incident but do not constitute physical items that can be directly analyzed. Photographs from the scene serve as visual documentation and can be critical for analysis and presentation in court, yet they also do not represent physical evidence in the same way that biological samples do. Thus, DNA samples are fundamental to the forensic investigation as they directly tie to the physical aspect of the evidence gathered.