Which of the following is an example of physical evidence in crime scene investigations?

Physical evidence refers to tangible items that can be collected, analyzed, and used in the investigation of a crime. Examples of physical evidence are things that can be seen and touched, which play a crucial role in establishing connections between the suspect, victim, and the crime scene.

Weapons, clothing, and footprints are classic examples of physical evidence because they can provide direct evidence of a crime. For instance, a weapon can link a suspect to the act of committing a crime, while clothing might contain DNA or fibers that help identify individuals involved in the incident. Footprints can provide information about the suspect's movements and can be matched to specific shoes or individuals. These items can also be preserved and examined later in a forensic lab, which is critical for building a case.

In contrast, eyewitness accounts, victim statements, and investigative reports are forms of testimonial or documentary evidence rather than physical evidence. While they can provide valuable information regarding the events that transpired, they do not have the same objective, measurable characteristics as physical evidence and can be subject to biases or inaccuracies.