 Since the likelihood ratio \(V\) of the cold-hit match results by multiplying the likelihood ratio of the DNA match and the database search ratio, \(V\) will always be greater than the mere likelihood ratio of the match (except for the unrealistic case in which \(\varphi=0\)) . Thus, a cold-hit DNA match should count as stronger evidence than a DNA match of a previously identified suspect. Dawid and Mortera (1996) study different database search strategies and consider the possibility that information about the match is itself uncertain, but the general point remains. Under reasonable assumptions, ignoring the database search would give a conservative assessment of the evidentiary strength of the cold-hit match.