1. Chapter 7

2. Questioned Document Examination
Chapter Objectives
Types of Document Evidence
Development of Handwriting
Writing Process
Recognition, Collection, & Preservation of Document Evidence
Handwriting Comparison
Nonhandwriting Document Examinations
Reconstruction of Document Events

3. I. Types of Document Evidence
A questioned document (QD) is any means of communication that is suspect as to its authenticity or origin
QD examinations include:
examining and comparing handwriting, typewriting, and various types of copy machines and printers
looking for erasures, alterations, or the sequence of writing or printing
authenticating the author, the signer, or the contents of a document
To authenticate means to prove that something is real, true or what it is said to be

4. I. Types of Document Evidence
Check forgery or alteration is very common
Forgery is to make an illegal copy of something in order to deceive
An alteration is a change in the physical appearance or meaning of something

5. II. Development of Handwriting
An individual’s basic handwriting style is developed during early schooling using copybooks to learn the writing process
The process begins with printing and then with cursive writing
As different copybooks are in use, this gives rise to class features in people’s writing

6. II. Development of Handwriting
Writing styles and signatures change, particularly during the teenage years, leading to a distinctive style by the time we finish our formal education
Age, illness, alcohol, and some drugs have the potential to influence the features of a person’s handwriting
The natural variation in a person’s handwriting is termed normal variation
Natural variation in a person’s handwriting is much less than the variation in handwriting between different individuals

7. III. Writing Process
Three basic parts of the writing process can yield useful information:
the writing surface
the writing instrument
the transfer medium
Paper is a common writing surface
Writing instruments include pen, pencil, paintbrushes, crayons, or a spray can
The transfer medium may be ink, paint, chalk, toner, or pencil lead

8. III. Writing Process Paper:
Information about the fiber content and surface treatments can be ascertained by examination of the paper
Surface coatings (sizing) are materials placed on the surface of the paper to smooth the roughness of the interwoven fibers, providing a smooth writing surface
Coatings are usually starch or clay and differ between paper manufacturers

9. III. Writing Process Writing Instruments:
There are different types of ink delivery mechanisms (ballpoint, razor point, nylon tip, or fountain pen tips)
Different writing instruments can be distinguished by the line quality and ink application characteristics

10. III. Writing Process The Transfer Medium:
Different writing instruments with the same color of ink often have different ink compositions (solvent, dyes, or pigments)
Analyzing a small amount of ink from two different writings can determine if they have similar chemical compositions

11. IV. Recognition, Collection, and Preservation of Evidence
QD examiners require originals not copies for their examination of handwriting
Questioned documents should be carefully handled to preserve any fingerprints or trace evidence and placed inside plastic sheet protectors

12. IV. Recognition, Collection, and Preservation of Evidence
Control samples and evidence samples must have sufficient writing and be in pristine condition
The source and circumstances of collection of both evidence and control samples must be known
A sufficient quantity and quality of control (known) writings are required to determine how much variation is natural
The control writings must be reliably attributed to the writer and written about the same time as the questioned material

13. V. Handwriting Comparison: Class & Individual Characteristics
Class characteristics originate from the early copybook writing approach, with individual characteristics developing as a person matures
A person’s signature is usually more distinctive than the normal handwriting
The automatic nature of writing makes it difficult to disguise one’s writing

14. V. Handwriting Comparison:
Important Writing Characteristics:
Skill level - based on the level of fine motor control and is reflected in the smoothness and flow of the writing
Pictorial & contextual elements - style, spacing, grammar, and spelling
Mechanical characteristics - the formation and slant of letters, and the ratios of small to tall letters

15. V. Handwriting Comparison: Importance of Known Standards
The more comprehensive the set of known standards that represents the appropriate time frame, the easier it is to define and judge the normal variation level
Handwriting standards fall into two general categories: collected writings and requested samples

16. V. Handwriting Comparison Importance of Known Standards
Collected:
Collected writings are the most useful but the most difficult to obtain
Collected samples are obtained from the subject’s life experience and history
Each sample must be carefully authenticated
Requested (Ordered):
Are obtained either voluntarily or through court order directly from the individual

17. V. Handwriting Comparison Importance of Known Standards
With requested (ordered) writings, the individual may try to distort or disguise the writing and it may not represent the proper time frame for comparison
Therefore the material to be written should be dictated and repeated several times

18. V. Handwriting Comparison: Importance of Known Standards
Comparison of How Documents are Written:
The appearance of the writing on the page
How the letters are made (letter forms)
Where pressure is applied
Connections between letters
Word and letter spacing

19. V. Handwriting Comparison
Writing Mechanics:
Where a letter starts and ends, where pressure is heavy, and the general flow
Letter and word spacings, letter connections, size ratio of small and large letters, and slant
Handprinting:
Handprinting can be successfully compared and identified in many cases, if sufficient evidence printing is available and good handprinting knowns are obtained

20. VI. Non-handwriting Document Examinations
Typewriter and Printer Comparisons:
Many documents still exist which were typed on a typewriter
Typewriters or printers that are impact devices, may develop mis-alignments or damage to the typefaces, that could serve as a basis for comparison

21. VI. Non-handwriting Document Examinations
Copying Machines:
In copy machines and laser printers, toner takes place of the ink
Different manufacturers tend to use different toner formulations
Analysis of toner composition can often determine the make and model of the copier used
Accidental marks left on the drum are potential individualizing characteristics for comparisons

22. VII. Reconstruction of Document Events
Alterations and Erasures:
Documents are often altered for economic gain
An initial examination using a stereo-microscope may detect erasures or alterations
Non-visible light photography may be used to distinguish two apparently identical inks

23. VII. Reconstruction of Document Events
Alterations and Erasures:
An instrument called a spectral comparator uses a number of different light sources, filters, and a video camera to make non-visible light comparisons
Erasures cause damage to the thin sizing layer and these may be visualized by backlighting on a light box
Erasures can also be detected using fine powders which are attracted to the damaged areas of the paper

24. VII. Reconstruction of Document Events
Charred Documents:
Charred documents are those that have been partially burned or heated until they have turned a very dark color
Writings on charred documents can be done most easily using a spectral comparator

25. VII. Reconstruction of Document Events
Indented Writing:
Indented writings are impressions on one or more sheets below the one that had an image produced by a writing instrument
Indented writings are visualized by: oblique lighting or use of the ESDA (Electrostatic Detection Apparatus)
Oblique lighting produces shadows in the indented area

26. VII. Reconstruction of Document Events
ESDA & Indented Writings:
A document is placed on the ESDA platen surface, covered with a thin plastic sheet, and then electrostatically charged
A fine powder, which is dusted over the plastic surface, is attracted to areas that were indented in the original document

27. VII. Reconstruction of Document Events
Age Determinations:
“When was the document written?
The raw materials used in the manufacture of paper have evolved over time and can therefore help in dating a document
Watermarks can identify the company that made the paper and possibly provide information on the time frame of manufacture
Ink analysis can help detect formulations that were available only after certain dates