Questioned Document Examination Questioned document examination (QDE) is a forensic science discipline pertaining to documents that are potentially disputed in a court of law. The examination’s primary purpose is to provide evi- dence about suspicious or questioned documents using a variety of scientific principles and methods. Document examination might include alterations, obliterations, paper analysis, forgery, origin, deter- mining authenticity, or any other questions. The use of low angle oblique light and photography is a simple method of analyzing indented writ- ing. Our experts utilize the latest in forensic technology in the course of QDE. You can experiment with this process at home with a flashlight.

Indented Writing Analysis parency film. If applicable, this pro- Video Spectral Analysis for Ques- standards for the many methods and cedure is non-destructive, and rather tioned Documents procedures used by Forensic Document Indented writing, or second page writ- non-detectable. Examiners. E30.02 is the ASTM subcom- ing, is an imprint that may be left on Another valued method used by fo- mittee for questioned documents. ASTM the underlying pages when the top Low Angle Light & Photography rensic experts is called Video Spectral E444-09 provides guidance on the sheet of paper is written upon. This im- We first apply oblique or low angled Analysis (or Comparator). Compre- scope of work conducted by document pression of the writing is influenced by lighting to the furrows of indented hensive digital imaging systems can examiners, and E2388 specifies mini- pen pressure and thickness of the pa- writing. Photography is then used to provide the questioned document mum training requirements. per. Indented writing on subsequent preserve the shadowed indentation. examiner with an extensive range of pages may not be the same as what A combination of multiple exposures facilities for detecting irregularities on appears on the surface of the docu- while moving the light source fills in altered and counterfeit documents. Mark Songer ment. Experts are trained to uncover the available indentations with shad- Detection of alternations includes, but Forensic Examiner indented writings that may have been ows and effectively uncovering the are not limited to: [email protected] added after the fact, altered or missing indented writing. from an original document. Indented • Surface features Mark is a former FBI Special Agent writing is very useful as a form of con- Electrostatic Detection Apparatus • Watermarks and FBI Forensic Examiner, where necting evidence. • Alterations he served as part of the FBI’s ERT/ RDT teams. Mr. Songer has instructed ESDA works by creating an electro- • Use of different inks numerous law enforcement officers The Process static image of indented writing, which • Embedded invisible information and civilian examiners in handwriting is then visualized by the application • Latent images Historically, indented writing was iden- of charge sensitive toners. This sensi- identification as well as the collection • Ink stamps tified and deciphered by means of low tive imaging process reacts to sites of of writing samples. He also developed • Tampering and photo-substitution angle oblique light and photography. microscopic damages to fibers at the and implemented Forensic Science & More recently, an instrument known as surface of a document, which have Criminal Justice programs at several Standards an Electrostatic Detection Apparatus, been created by abrasive interactions institutions of higher learning, includ- ing the University of California and La or ESDA, is used to produce a visual with overlying surfaces during the act The American Society for Testing and Sierra University. image of the indented writing on trans- of handwriting. Materials, International (ASTM) publishes

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