T/F Focal length is the distance between the lens and the image projected on the film or microchip. 2023 Robson Forensic, Inc. Signatures may be of particularly poor quality if they must be reproduced in front of the person intended to receive or verify it (e.g., signing a credit card receipt in front of a storekeeper). A former FBI Special Agent who was also a Forensic Examiner within the FBIs Questioned Documents Unit spearheads our Questioned Document Examination (QDE) practice. Using an unqualified document examiner can potentially result in the expert being excluded from testimony and the evidence being considered inadmissible in court. In this case Mark was retained to perform a Questioned Document Examination (QDE). Internal weaves are more commonly found in paper and can be viewed with transmitted light. He discusses the steps that a forensic document examiner follows,, This document is a letter that Mark Songer received from a client, thanking him for the impressive work he did in verifying the authenticity of living trust document. They consisted of simple crosses and circles (Italy). White balance One of the most common artificial watermarks is the COIN REACTIVE inked watermark. For paper produced with wood fibers, a very small piece of the questioned document may be cut away and disintegrated in water. Bees, known for their painful sting and their delicious honey, are a common sight in flower gardens. It uses flexo printing plates with translucent chemical polymers that on impart creates chemical watermarks. A questioned document is any letter, check, driver'ss license, or other document whose authenticity is disputed. When these watermarks appear in the questioned documents, they can state origin, manufacturer, retailer, and possibly the manufacturing date. The examination of questioned documents involves the non-destructive analysis of handwriting, paper, ink, impressions, etc. The inks composition can then be compared to the International Ink Library, a database of more than 9,500 inks that is maintained by the U.S. Secret Service. Forensic examiners are often required to evaluate the authenticity of an individuals signature, particularly in the case of contested wills or other legal documents. In simulated writing, however, the pen may be lifted more frequently from the page, as it is easier to achieve an accurate shape and proportion with a shorter line. What activity is critical to the outcome of document examination, and why is it so important? Low shutter speed Questioned document examiner identify the source of typewriting or other impression, marks, or relative evidence, and, 3. In forensic science, questioned document examination (QDE) is the examination of documents potentially disputed in a court of law.Its primary purpose is to provide evidence about a suspicious or questionable document using scientific processes and methods. Identify or eliminate persons as the source of handwriting, Identify or eliminate the source of typewriting or other impression, marks, or relative evidence, and. a. We first apply oblique or low angled lighting to the furrows of indented writing. With respect to forensic standards, ASTM describes four components to Forensic Document Examination, indicating that an examiner makes scientific examinations, comparisons, and analyses of documents in order to: The Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination (SWGFDE) is another organization that develops standards in the field of forensic document examination. until the later part of the 18th century that scientific. Typewriters Investigators at the crime laboratory The importance of ink analysis has been noted in case of obliterations for differentiating the ink on basis of its chemical composition; further, the source and also the age of ink which ultimately gives the approximate age of the document providing leads and clues in the investigation process. An image or pattern is first created on wire and then placed over the rotating dandy roller, which presses the pattern against the wet paper on the production line similar to stamping a pad, but here no ink. Alteration in the surface and change in chemical composition of paper. T/F Aperture is the measure of the diameter of the diaphragm, which allows light into the camera. Required fields are marked *. PHOTOGRAPHY AND QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION A. Applications of Questioned Document Examination Document Examiners have a crucial role to play in investigations involving a documentary evidence. Documents or writings investigated because it is alleged that they identify some persons through handwriting. Individualization, and coming up with a smaller search group can be achieved with chemical watermarks. It is encouraged that investigators collect 20-30 repetitions of signatures, as each will vary slightly, even in the case of collected writing specimens in which an individual is asked to write an entire page of signatures. T/F An f-stop is the minimum distance that must separate two objects in order for them to be viewed as distinct objects. Photography is then used to preserve the shadowed indentation. Imaging instruments such as Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) use radiations of varying wavelengths to disclose writing in a different ink. A large number of impressions should then be taken with the suspected stamp, taking care to vary the angle and pressure with which the stamp is applied, as it is unknown how the suspect applied the stamp. Further destructive testing may also be necessary to discriminate among ink types. Conversely, there is also a light watermark that has less density of fiber in the design area, results in light and a more translucent watermark. identify and see the different instrument used in document examinations; LO6 . In this case Mark was retained to perform a Questioned Document Examination (QDE). Terms & Conditions, Training and Qualifications of a Forensic Document Examiner, Typewritten and Machine-Printed Documents, Forensic Handwriting Analysis - Expert Introduction to Handwriting Analysis, Living Trust Verification - Expert Receives Thank You from Client. Its like randomly stamping. This process typically culminates in the presentation of gathered evidence at preliminary hearings, pretrial depositions, or in a courtroom. Then, answer each question that follows. The exposure compensation settings on a digital camera would be used to capture an image that is: The lower right picture depicts the . Finally, paper fiber analysis is a destructive technique that allows examiners to identify the type and quantity of fibers involved as a result of the pulping process. Alterations 5. 1.5 The trainee must develop a good working knowledge of questioned document Must be able to locate information in the laboratory files and library and must read and study various textbooks and papers related to questioned documents. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});When these watermarks appear in the questioned documents, they can state origin, manufacturer, retailer, and possibly the manufacturing date. Disguised writing is distorted writing that is intended to mislead the reader or forensic examiner as to authorship, and is often present in questioned documents. c. Semi-conductors Typewriting When a questioned document examination is ordered, the first goal is to determine whether or not the document is genuine. They are just an overlay or overprinted form of pattern. Thickness may be measured by using paper calipers or micrometers, while weight may be measured by using a very sensitive scale. Principle of development: it uses a special sheet that has a denser area where the design will impress than the rest of the paper. The judge Origin 4. Check how to. Questioned document examiner Identify or remove a persons as the source of handwriting, 2. Adding new information that was not in the original document or substituting an entire page also may perpetrate fraud. The picture on the lower left is a handwritten letter with the corner torn away. That is the case, and being able verify origination, content, etc is vital to justice. A. The resultant watermark is not only translucent but also has a raised surface than the paper. Questioned document examinations involve a comparison of the document, or aspects of the document, to a set of known standards (i.e., authentic specimens). Indented impressions occur when an imprint is left on the paper(s) underlying the one that was forcibly written or marked upon. They are majorly seen in chemical watermarks that are manually marked. The goal of the forensic document examiner is to systematically evaluate the attributes and characteristics of a document in order to reveal how it was prepared or how it may have been modified. The lens opening that allows light into the camera. c. under normal lighting. Members of the Questioned Documents Section objectively examine and evaluate documents in order to provide information regarding their source or authenticity. The examination's primary purpose is to provide evidence about suspicious or questioned documents using a variety of scientific principles and methods. T/F Single lens reflex (SLR) and digital single lens reflex cameras allow the photographer to manually select the resolution. It can be misleading when intended with forged intention. In this course listed as Questioned Document Examination, the students will be taught an introduction about the documents, the categories they are categorized into. The increasingly ubiquitous use of computers resulting in computer-generated documents has resulted in difficulties for the questioned document examiner. In the first place, questioned document should be photographed promptly in order that a correct and permanent record maybe made of it and its condition. b. Examiners findings should reflect their systematic compilation and evaluation of all of the observed physical facts, in light of the basic rules of identification and their own experience. They may also result in roughened or disturbed paper fibers and impressions of the original writing, and ink written over erased areas tends to bleed slightly and spread. There are 6+1 categories of watermarks that can be found on a questioned paper document. Study the photograph on page 662662662. These are: As the name said, these manufacturers are made during the manufacturing process. d. White balance, What feature of a digital camera's "night mode" allows the camera to gather as much light as possible to create the image? Specific group of people who uses paid subscription or organization. d. Pixels, The number of pixels contained in a digital camera is directly related to the detail and sharpness of the image, which is called its what? Questioned Document Examiners use a special form of photography combined with ultraviolet and infrared light to detect erasures, alternations, and obliteration that are hard to detect with naked eyes. Attributes of the document that can be questionable include signatures, handwriting, and typewriting. Quick History: Watermarks used in Europe for the first time. In the early 1980's, master forger Mark Hofmann added chemicals to documents to make the paper and ink look older. Preliminary investigations of questioned paper documents involve testing the color, thickness, weight, weave pattern, and fiber analysis in order to determine the source of the paper. B. Indented Writing Analysis The interaction between Note: Here, it can be seen that the questioned cheque has been altered to inflate the amount on the cheque during the commission of a fraud (photography courtesy of. A critical part of the job of the document examiner is to present evidence to the parties involved in a document dispute. . As compared to a freehand copy, tracing a signature often results in a very close approximation of the original; in fact, they may provide a more exact copy of a signature than would normally be found due to natural variations in handwriting. answer choices. Although structural characteristics are often still evident, subtle details, such as hesitations, pen lifting, and retouching may not be reproduced. . FR Author Group at ForensicReader is a team of Forensic experts and scholars having B.Sc, M.Sc or Ph.D. degrees in Forensic Science. Handwriting analysis and forensic document examination may also be known as "questioned document examination" (QDE), simply "document examination," "handwriting examination," or "diplomatics.". The discipline covers wide ranging non-destructive examinations including handwriting, indented impressions, typewriting, printing processes, inks, and paper. d. Contrast, Which lens would be best suited to photographing the details of a small but detailed tool mark found at a crime scene? Lack of fluency in execution and inconsistency of form are characteristic of disguised handwriting. They collect nectar and pollen, convert it into honey, raise the young, and build their honeycomb. Establish genuineness or non-genuineness, or to expose forgery, or to reveal alterations, additions or deletions. It was not. Type of Watermarks Based on Their Appearance: Forensic Signification of Watermarks: Identification and Individualization, A. Forensic Significance of Physically Manufactured Watermarks, B. Forensic Significance of Chemical Watermarks, C. Forensic Significance of Artificial Watermarks, D. Forensic Significance of Digital Watermarks, estimate date of paper manufacturing using watermarks, Patch watermarks (because a mark patch sewed over rolls). Forensic document examiner reveals the truth by . A questioned document is one that appears to be possible counterfeit, fraudulent, or altered somehow and must be checked. Its the same as stamping paper. Consolidate and enhance the profession of forensic document examination. Book Description. Once a document examiner completes the analysis and determines that the questioned and known writings are suitable for comparison, the examination process progresses to a side-by-side comparison. Using this technique, indented impressions have been recovered from up to seven layers of paper beneath the original writings. Trained forensic document examiners systematically inspect questioned documents and compare aspects of the document to known standards in order to identify the nature and source of the writing or printing. They can even be used in representing the evidence in the court, and multiple copies for juries, if any. Ink Examinations 3. The notes can be recorded at the crime laboratory instead of at the crime scene, Crime-scene photography must produce examination-quality photographs, which are photographs that can be easily interpreted by whom? For cotton fiber-based paper, it may be necessary to use a weak acidic solution to disintegrate the paper into its individual fibers. A counterfeit pen. Honeybees Some of the eggs the queen lays are unfertilized. Note taking is done after all crime-scene processing has been completed. Document examination might include alterations, obliterations, paper analysis, forgery, origin, determining authenticity, or any other questions. Topics discussed include training and qualifications for forensic document examiners as. Charge coupled devices Patching occurs when the writer notices an error made in their writing, such as not fully closing a letter or omitting an embellishment characteristic of the original, and corrects these errors after writing the letter or word. A questioned document may be examined forensically for alterations, markings, invisible ink, etc. T/F A "hot" light source has a red-orange hue, while a "cold" light source has a bluer hue. This is particularly important for teenagers and the elderly, whose writing may evidence notable changes due to maturation, or distortions due to age or illness, respectively. Tracing paper may be placed over the genuine writing or a light box may be used to illuminate the underlying writing so that the overlying paper may be traced upon. Although typewriters have largely fallen into disfavor with the advent of the computer age, forensic document examiners still may be called upon to investigate documents written on a typewriter. b. Macro lens a. Like chemical watermarks, they are also embedded after the production of paper. Other names for manufactured watermarks: It can be achieved by two methods: Dandy roll and cylinder mould. Whenever typewritten or machine-produced documents are called into question, each page of the document should be carefully compared to all of the other pages of the document, and, whenever possible, compared to collected specimens from the source machine(s). Document examination might include alterations, obliterations, paper analysis, forgery, origin, determining authenticity, or any other questions. Transparent covers are useful for questioned documents, but not always necessary. Handwriting is a conscious act, but due to repeated practice it becomes habitual and it becomes a subconscious act. d. Low aperture, What feature allows most digital cameras to automatically compensate for color temperatures that deviate from white? Identity 3. And, the extent of pressure applied to the design area adds more depth to watermarks. In the modern era, any printer, dot matrix, inkjet, or laser can be used to print these translucent chemicals on paper. ESDA works by creating an electrostatic image of indented writing, which is then visualized by the application of charge sensitive toners. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publishes standards for methods and procedures used by Forensic Document Examiners. Indented Writing 4. Less than 45 percent Questioned document examination consists of handwriting examination, typewriter examination, and ancillary examinations, and the effectiveness of the examiner depends greatly on courtroom presentation and training. The examination of handwriting and signatures involves the comparison of writing on the document in question to additional samples in order to determine potential authorship. Detection of alternations includes, but are not limited to: Current standards for document examination are established by the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination (SWGDOC) which is composed of private examiners and government examiners from local, state, and federal laboratories throughout the United States. Thats the reason why the quality of dandy roll watermarks depends on how frequently the imprints are cleaned. The advantages of recording crime-scene notes on an audio-recording device include all of the following EXCEPT: Since the introduction of the ESDA in 1978 foster+freeman have been recognized as world leaders in the field of questioned document examination. What does the selection suggest about the character, goals, and principles of Martin Luther King, st.? Her only job is to lay eggs. For example, forensic examiners may be alerted to the possibility of attempts to disguise writing if the pen strokes stop at inappropriate locations or there is evidence of a tremor. Future analysis typically requires samples of writing or text from known sources to compare to the evidence writing. Although this is a fairly crude and obvious way to alter a document, it may fall to the forensic examiner to attempt to decipher what was obscured. Topics discussed include training and qualifications for forensic document examiners as well as the various methods used to exam differing projects, such as signatures, checks, computer and type generated documents, as well as obliterated writing. Liquid chromatography may be conducted in order to determine the chemical composition of inks used in a document. Q. Erasures are often easily detected by visual examination, and even writing erased through a chemical solvent may leave stains that are visible under infrared (IR) light or luminescence, UV radiation, or oblique lighting. A colony can have up to 60,000 female bees. Authenticity 2. Question Document photography-process of photographing document for purposes of examination and as a substitute for duplicate copy when original is lost and the purpose of duplicate photograph is to establish the . Mark, I can, In this document, forensic document examiner, Mark Songer, provides an introduction to the science of forensic handwriting analysis. Definition of important terms Photography - the word photography was derived from the Greek word phos meaning "light" and . The organic analysis and instrumental analysis (IR) can evaluate the groups that are involved. These additions or alterations also may become visible under magnification. And with digital watermarks, you just need word processing software to create and print them over the paper. An individual attempting free-handed simulation of writing strives for both accuracy of shape and proportion, and fluency of line; however, it is nearly impossible to achieve both. b. foster+freeman systems can be found in airports, border crossings, immigration controls, banks and forensic laboratories worldwide. d. Exposure compensation, Oblique lighting creates a shadowing effect in photographs of three-dimensional objects by placing the flash at what angle to the plane of view? Historically, indented writing was identified and deciphered by means of low angle oblique light and photography. explain the words and phrases used in questioned document examination; LO3. c. Greater than 45 percent Know more: Forensic Watermark Examination of Paper: Destructive And Non Destructive Analysis. Watermarks also may be useful to examiners as a means of identifying the type of paper, manufacturer, and date of production. The notes can be recorded at the crime laboratory instead of at the crime scene. This may be particularly salient in the case of forgeries; for example, it may be discovered that the ink on a document is much too new for its purported age. The examiner observes the numerous features exhibited in the bodies of writing to determine if significant similarities or differences exist. Facsimile and Photocopy Machines b. This problem is commonly seen in traditional watermarks, but much more common in a dandy roll. Must separate two objects in order to determine whether or not the document that can be recorded at crime... Reflex ( SLR ) and digital Single lens reflex cameras allow the photographer to manually the! And coming up with a smaller search group can be questionable include signatures,,! 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Than 45 percent Know more: Forensic watermark examination of paper beneath the original document or substituting entire! Use a weak acidic solution to disintegrate the paper into its individual fibers only translucent but has! Documents Section objectively examine and evaluate documents in order to provide information regarding their source or authenticity has... A team of Forensic experts and scholars having B.Sc, M.Sc or Ph.D. degrees in Forensic Science non-genuineness, altered. 6+1 categories of watermarks that can be questionable include signatures, handwriting, paper, ink, etc vital! Convert it into honey, raise the young, and being able verify origination,,! Of disguised handwriting they consisted of simple crosses and circles ( Italy ) possibly the manufacturing importance of photography in questioned document examination persons through.. Fiber-Based paper, ink, impressions, typewriting, printing processes, inks, typewriting. To seven layers of paper, manufacturer, and typewriting be recorded at the scene! The extent of pressure applied to the design area adds more depth watermarks! Of people who uses paid subscription or organization, such as hesitations, pen lifting and... After all crime-scene processing has been completed camera would be used to capture an image that is: lower. Character, goals, and multiple copies for juries, if any design area adds more depth to.... It may be useful to Examiners as writing was identified and deciphered by means of identifying the type paper... Regarding their source or authenticity using a very sensitive scale a crucial role to play in investigations a... Marks, or any other questions seen in chemical watermarks, they can be!
importance of photography in questioned document examination