Sampling in forensic comparison problems

Abstract

When someone breaks glass a number of tiny fragments may be transferred to that person. If the glass is broken in the commission of a crime then these fragments may be used as evidence. If a large number of fragments are recovered from the suspect, then it may be more efficient for the forensic scientist to examine a subset of these fragments. Such sampling incurs information loss. This paper will derive an expression that allows a partial quantification of this loss. The loss of such information due to the examination of a subset of recovered material arises with many forms of evidence.