North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What type of evidence includes items like hair samples or saliva samples?

1. Testimonial evidence

2. Non-testimonial evidence

3. Circumstantial evidence

4. Documentary evidence

The correct answer is: Non-testimonial evidence

Non-testimonial evidence refers to physical evidence that can be collected and analyzed, rather than that which relies on human statements or accounts. Hair samples and saliva samples fall into this category because they are tangible items that can provide information through scientific analysis, such as DNA testing. This type of evidence is vital in investigations as it can corroborate or contradict statements made by witnesses or suspects, supporting the overall case with physical proof. Testimonial evidence, on the other hand, involves statements made by witnesses or parties involved in a case, which can be more subjective. Circumstantial evidence consists of indirect evidence that implies a fact but doesn't directly prove it, while documentary evidence pertains to documents such as contracts, records, or writings. Understanding these differences is crucial for law enforcement, as handling and presenting various types of evidence correctly can significantly influence the outcome of an investigation or trial.