Abstract 

Forensic science plays an ever increasing role in the detection of a wide range of offences from burglary and vehicle crime to sexual offences and murder.  It is essential, therefore, that all forensic opportunities at a crime scene are taken and that the limited resources available to the police are used efficiently and effectively.  We will consider a number of areas of forensic science where statistics have been employed to inform the forensic process and optimise its effectiveness in detecting crime.  Areas covered will include fingerprint corrosion of metals, gun shot residue, DNA and footwear.