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

Which of the following is considered non-testimonial evidence?

1. Witness statements

2. Fingerprints

3. Confessions

4. Surveillance videos

The correct answer is: Fingerprints

Non-testimonial evidence refers to physical evidence that is collected and analyzed but does not involve the testimony of a person. Fingerprints serve as a prime example of non-testimonial evidence. They are unique identifiers left behind at a crime scene, found on objects, or transferred to surfaces during interactions. The key characteristic that distinguishes fingerprints as non-testimonial evidence is that they do not rely on a person's account, memory, or interpretation. Instead, they provide objective physical proof that can be scientifically analyzed and directly linked to individuals. This analysis can occur without any contribution from witnesses or suspects, making fingerprints a crucial piece of evidence that supports or contradicts testimony during investigations. In contrast, witness statements, confessions, and surveillance videos all involve some form of testimony or narrative about an event, which makes them different from the objective nature of non-testimonial evidence like fingerprints.