Document Examination

1. Document Examination Objectives Define “questioned document.” List some common individual characteristics associated with handwriting. List some important guidelines to be followed for the collection of known writings for comparison to a questioned document. Describe the precautions to be taken to minimize deception when a suspect is requested to write exemplars for comparison to a questioned document. Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

2. Document Examiner • check’s handwriting and typescript for authenticity using: • microscopy • photography • chromatography • looks for: • overwriting • erasures • reconstruct charred documents • uncover indented writing left on pad Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

3. Questioned Document • any object with writing or typewriting • letters • checks • lottery tickets • driver’s licenses • wills • contracts Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

4. Known Writings • documents of known authorship and origin • used for comparison • handwriting • individual characteristics Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

5. Handwriting Comparisons • no two individuals write exactly alike • handwriting factors: • general style • Palmer • Zaner-Bloser • Spencerian • personal characteristics • angularity • slope • speed • pressure • letter/word spacing • letter dimensions • letter connections • pen movements • writing skills Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

6. Challenges to Handwriting Comparison • insufficient known writings • too few personal characteristics • Exemplars • same paper • same implement • same words • same letter combinations • computer programs can start analysis • http://www.cedartech.com/products.html Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

7. Court Challenges • Gilbert vs. California • upheld taking exemplars before counsel appointed • such samples lie outside 5th Amendment protection • US vs. Mara • taking exemplar is NOT an unreasonable search/seizure • does not violate 4th Amendment protection Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

8. Minimizing Exemplar Deception • Comfortable seat at desk • No knowledge of questioned document • Supply pen and paper • Text dictated similar to questioned document • Dictate and write at least 3x • Multiple signatures on multiple documents Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

9. Document Examination Objectives List some of the class and individual characteristics of a typewriter. Describe the proper collection of typewritten exemplars. List some of the techniques utilized by document examiners for uncovering alterations, erasures, obliterations, and variations in pen inks. Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

10. Typescript Comparison - Printers • Printers • newer printers have inconspicuous defects • need at least ten different samples • side by side comparison of exemplars and questioned documents • Impact Printers • produce characters by striking paper • Nonimpact Printers • prints without striking the paper Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

11. Typescript Comparison – Impact Printers • Dot Matrix Printer • striking pins against an ink ribbon to print closely spaced dots in the appropriate shape • Daisy Wheel Printer • works on the same principle as a ball-head typewriter • disk made of plastic or metal on which characters stand out Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

12. Typescript Comparison – Nonimpact Printers • Thermal Printer • heated elements contact special heat sensitive paper forming darkened dots when a critical temperature reached • paper tends to darken over time, standard of print produced is poor • Laser Printer • laser beam and dry powdered ink to produce a fine dot matrix pattern • standard of print is very good • Ink Jet Printer • electrically charged or heated ink being sprayed in fine jets Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

13. Typescript Comparison - Photocopiers • Photocopiers • can have defects from debris on • glass platen, inner cover, mechanical portions • best identified by comparison of toners used • also applies to newer laser computer printers Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

14. Typescript Comparison – Fax Machines • Fax Machines • transmitting terminal identifier • type style gives clues to model type • # of characters and fonts • American Society of Questioned Document Examiners keep database Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

15. Typescript Comparison - Typewriters • Identify make or model • Identify a particular suspect’s machine • wear and damage • vertical and horizontal alignment • typeface defects Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

16. Document Forgery / Alteration • Erasures • rubber eraser, sandpaper, razor, knife • all disturb fibers of paper • microscopic examination (direct or side light) • Chemical Erasure • application of strong oxidants • UV light will show changes not seen with eye • Obliteration • erasure and/or overwriting • IR light can show different inks • Security Paper Created by C. Ippolito March 2008

17. References • Anthony, A.T. “Source of Significant Typeface Defects on Electronic Typewriter Printwheels”, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Decatur, Georgia Created by C. Ippolito March 2008