What are the two main types of evidence that detectives typically work with?

Detectives primarily work with physical evidence and testimonial evidence because these two categories encompass the most essential forms of evidence used in criminal investigations.

Physical evidence refers to tangible items or material items that can be collected and examined. This can include fingerprints, weapons, clothing, or any other objects that may hold relevance to a crime scene or the circumstances surrounding an incident. Such evidence can often provide concrete insights or proof of a suspect's involvement in a crime.

Testimonial evidence, on the other hand, consists of statements made by witnesses or victims regarding what they observed or experienced. This type of evidence plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative of an investigation, providing context and human account to the events that transpired.

The combination of these two types of evidence allows detectives to build a comprehensive case, relying on both the physical traces of a crime and the accounts of individuals to establish a clearer picture of the situation being investigated. Other types of evidence, while useful in specific contexts, do not capture the fundamental pairing that physical and testimonial evidence represents in typical detective work.