Transcript Document Examination

Document Examination
Objectives
1.
Define “questioned document.”
2.
List some common individual characteristics associated
with handwriting.
3.
List some important guidelines to be followed for the
collection of known writings for comparison to a
questioned document.
4.
Describe the precautions to be taken to minimize
deception when a suspect is requested to write
exemplars for comparison to a questioned document.
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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Document Examiner
• check’s handwriting and typescript for
authenticity using:
– microscopy
– photography
– chromatography
• looks for:
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overwriting
erasures
reconstruct charred documents
uncover indented writing left on pad
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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Questioned Document
• any object with writing or typewriting
– letters
– checks
– lottery tickets
– driver’s licenses
– wills
– contracts
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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Known Writings
• documents of known authorship and
origin
– used for comparison
– handwriting
• individual characteristics
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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Handwriting Comparisons
• no two individuals write exactly alike
– handwriting factors:
• general style
– Palmer
– Zaner-Bloser
– Spencerian
• personal characteristics
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angularity
slope
speed
pressure
letter/word spacing
letter dimensions
letter connections
pen movements
writing skills
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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Challenges to Handwriting
Comparison
• insufficient known writings
• too few personal characteristics
• Exemplars
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same paper
same implement
same words
same letter combinations
• computer programs can start analysis
– http://www.cedartech.com/products.html
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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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
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Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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Minimizing Exemplar Deception
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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
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Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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Document Examination
Objectives
1. List some of the class and individual
characteristics of a typewriter.
2. Describe the proper collection of typewritten
exemplars.
3. List some of the techniques utilized by
document examiners for uncovering
alterations, erasures, obliterations, and
variations in pen inks.
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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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
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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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
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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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
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Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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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
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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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
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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Typescript Comparison - Typewriters
• Identify make or model
• Identify a particular suspect’s machine
– wear and damage
• vertical and horizontal alignment
• typeface defects
7/28/2015
Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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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
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Created by C. Ippolito March 2008
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References
•
Anthony, A.T. “Source of Significant Typeface Defects on Electronic Typewriter Printwheels”, Georgia Bureau of
Investigation. Decatur, Georgia
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