Which of the following could be used to place a known individual at a crime scene?

DNA analysis is a powerful tool in forensic science that can conclusively place a known individual at a crime scene. DNA is unique to each individual (except for identical twins), which means that if a sample of DNA is found at a crime scene—such as blood, hair, or skin cells—and it matches a known individual’s DNA profile, it provides strong evidence of their presence at that location.

The reliability of DNA analysis is rooted in its scientific basis, utilizing methodologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary electrophoresis. These methods allow for precise comparison between crime scene samples and known databases or samples from suspects, reinforcing its role in criminal investigations.

In considering other options, eyewitness testimony, while it may provide valuable accounts of events, can be unreliable due to factors like memory distortion or bias. Police records might offer context about an individual's history but do not directly establish presence at a scene. Fingerprint analysis is also a significant method for establishing identity; however, DNA evidence is generally regarded as more definitive due to the unique nature of DNA profiles.