Questioned

Documents

Summary
Document Analysis

Ink Examination
Paper Examination
Machine Examination (typewriter, printer)

Handwriting Analysis

Questioned Documents

What pen wrote this?

What type of paper is it written on?
Has it been altered?

Questioned Documents

Ink Analysis

Reveal a document was written with a

specific writing instrument.

Reveal alterations: words added/removed

from a document

Questioned Documents > Ink Analysis

Ink Analysis (matching pens, etc.)

An ink will have

specific chemical
components.

The same ink can be

used in many pens.
(even different brands)

Questioned Documents > Ink Analysis

Ink Analysis (matching pens, etc.)

Look at under
alternative light
(different wavelengths)

UV and Infrared light

Glow, Transparent, Nothing

Questioned Documents > Ink Analysis

Ink Analysis (matching pens, etc.)

Look at under
alternative light
(different wavelengths)

UV and Infrared light

Glow, Transparent, Nothing

Questioned Documents > Ink Analysis

Ink Analysis (matching pens, etc.)

Look at under
alternative light
(different wavelengths)

UV and Infrared light

Glow, Transparent, Nothing

Questioned Documents > Ink Analysis

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

Place punch of ink in solvent

Drop on paper (stationary phase)

Put in liquid (mobile phase)

Liquid travels up paper;

separates components of ink

Questioned Documents

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

Paper

Stationary Phase

Separated Ink

Start Dot

Solvent

Mobile Phase

Questioned Documents > Ink Analysis

Ink Analysis (alterations)

Alternative lighting may indicate alterations
with different ink.

Questioned Documents > Ink Analysis

Ink Analysis (alterations)

Alternative lighting may indicate alterations
with different ink.

Questioned Documents > Paper Analysis

Paper Analysis

Pages may have been added to a

document.
Question of where/when the document
originated.

Questioned Documents > Paper Analysis

Class characteristics compared:

Location/number of staple holes.

Different types of paper receive different

additives during manufacturing.
Paper size and thickness

Opacity, Color, Brightness (additives affect)

Watermarks

Questioned Documents

Machine Analysis

Typewriters/printers
can leave individual
markings

Can be class
characteristics or
individual characteristics

Handwriting Analysis

Who wrote this?

Handwriting Analysis

When is handwriting important?

Threatening letters
Forged signatures
Forged prescriptions/other documents

Is handwriting specific to an individual?

Handwriting Analysis

Is handwriting specific to an individual?

Handwriting is different among individuals.

Handwriting does not change over time.

Handwriting Analysis

When is handwriting style set?

Coordination and
visual perception
affect development.

Handwriting style
usually set by late
teenage years.

Handwriting Analysis

Collection of Handwriting Evidence

Unknown (questioned) sample compared
to known samples.
How are known samples collected?

Handwriting Analysis

Two types of known samples:

Requested Samples

Good: can mimic conditions (pen/paper/position)

Bad: suspect can disguise writing.

Non-requested Samples (records, applications)

Good: reveals normal writing habits

Bad: need large sample; authenticated for court

Handwriting Analysis

What does the examiner look for?

Slant
Spacing
Height ratio

Beginning and
ending strokes
Size

Handwriting Analysis

Who wrote this?