Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of physical evidence?

The characteristic that is not typically associated with physical evidence is that it is always monitored by law enforcement. While law enforcement agencies do take measures to secure and preserve physical evidence during investigations, the concept of physical evidence itself does not inherently require continuous monitoring. Physical evidence is often collected, processed, and stored until it is needed for legal proceedings or further analysis, rather than being actively monitored at all times.

In contrast, physical evidence is subject to degradation due to environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and exposure to light, which can compromise its integrity over time. It can include various forms of evidence such as fingerprints, which are essential in forensic analysis. Additionally, physical evidence can be stored for extended periods, particularly if it is required for ongoing investigations or court cases.