Relevance of Forensic Evidence to Criminal Investigation as Perceived by Police Officers

The research investigated police officers' perceptions of forensic evidence relevance in criminal investigations, aiming to understand its importance from their perspective. Conducted with 50 officers from Lucena City's Crime Laboratory and Third Police Station, the study utilized a survey design and questionnaires. Purposive sampling and stratified random sampling were employed to select participants. The findings highlighted strong agreement among officers about the significance of forensic evidence. Forensic techniques like DNA analysis, fingerprints, ballistic evidence, forensic toxicology, and trace evidence were perceived as highly effective. The study emphasized the crucial role of diverse forensic methods, including forensic psychology and anthropology, in aiding investigations. The officers' recognition of the relevance, effectiveness, and positve impact of forensic evidence contributes to the overall efficiency, accuracy, and trusworthiness of the criminal justice system. This understanding enables law enforcement to adapt to modern investigative practices, enhancing their ability to solve cases and maintain public trust.