What is "forensic evidence" in criminal investigations?

Forensic evidence refers specifically to the scientific analysis of physical evidence collected from crime scenes. This type of evidence is crucial because it relies on rigorous scientific methods to analyze various materials, including biological samples (like blood or hair), physical substances (like fingerprints or fibers), and chemical evidence (such as gunshot residue). The goal of forensic analysis is to establish connections between victims, suspects, and crime scenes through the objective examination of physical evidence.

This emphasis on scientific methodology differentiates forensic evidence from other forms of evidence such as eyewitness testimonies, which can be subjective and susceptible to error. Similarly, while surveillance footage can provide critical visual documentation of events, it does not fall under the definition of forensic evidence unless it is analyzed scientifically. Reports created by law enforcement officers, while informative and important for investigations, primarily serve a narrative function and summarize experiences and observations rather than provide scientific analysis of physical evidence.