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U-Statistics for Characterizing Forensic Sufficiency Studies

NCJ Number
311625
Author(s)
Cami Fuglsby
Date Published
2017
Length
82 pages
Abstract

One of the main metrics for deciding if a given forensic modality is useful across a broad spectrum of cases, within a given population, is the Random Match Probability (RMP), or the corresponding discriminating power. Traditionally, the RMP of a given modality is studied by comparing full `templates' and estimating the rate at which pairs of templates 'match' in a given population. This strategy leads to a natural U-statistic of degree two. However, in questioned document examination, the RMP is studied as a function of the amount of handwriting contained in the two documents being compared; turning the U-statistic into a U-process. This work is focused on providing background on forensic sufficiency studies, RMP, and the U-processes that naturally arise in this class of problems.

(Author abstract provided.)