TOPIC - QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

A questioned document - is one in which a document in its entirety, or in

part, is subject to question as to authenticity and/or origin OR any
signature
A questioned document is one in which a document in its entirety, or in part, is subject to question as
to authenticity and/or origin OR any signature, handwriting, typewriting, OR other marks whose source
or authenticity is in dispute or is doubtful.

What’s a forgery?

A person creates a document or alters an existing document in an attempt to deceive people

Most Common Questioned Documents: Letters, Checks, Drivers Licenses, Contracts, Wills, Voter
registration, Passports, Petitions, Threatening letters, Suicide notes, and Lottery tickets.

Can you describe an individual's personality from examining handwriting? No, forensic document
examination does not develop information about personality. There is a separate field of study called
"Graphology" which deals with personality and handwriting.

Graphologist VS QD Examiner Graphologist:  Profiles character or personality by drawing

conclusions from certain types of characteristics in the handwriting sample.  They do not compare
handwriting to determine authenticity or origin. Remember, most of graphology lacks scientific proof.

Graphology Examples:

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

Comparisons Are Useful Because: No two people have identical handwriting By adulthood, it is exclusive
to an individual even disguised handwriting will exhibit some of the person’s individual characteristics
Forensic Document Examiner

Ink Analysis

Reveal a document was written with a specific writing instrument

Reveal alterations: words added/removed from a document Questioned Documents

Ink Inks can be separated into parts unique to each manufacturer by thin layer chromatography. Many
ink manufacturers “tag” their inks annually to aid investigations.

An ink will have specific chemical components. The same ink can be used in many pens.

Look at under alternative light (different wavelengths)

UV and Infrared light

Glow, Transparent

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

Place “punch” of ink in solvent

Drop on paper (stationary phase)
Put in liquid (mobile phase)
Liquid travels up paper
Alterations Erasures are removals of writings by chemical means, razor blades or abrasives such as
sandpaper Erasures are discovered through microscopic views of the damaged paper fibers. They cannot
be readily reversed. Obliterations (blotting out and smearing over) and alterations using ink different
from the original, can often be discovered by alternate light sources like UV, IR, and blue-green.

Class characteristics compared :

Different types of paper receive different additives during manufacturing

Paper size and thickness

Opacity, Color, Brightness (additives affect)

Watermarks

Charred Documents Charred documents should be packaged in airtight containers that will not damage
paper. Revealing the contents of the documents often uses infrared (IR) photography and light reflected
at various angles.

Indented writings are impressions left on paper under the original document that is missing. Oblique or
side lighting often allows these impressions to be read. A fine toner powder is then poured over paper
and attaches to indentations.

Machine Analysis

Typewriters/printers/ photocopiers can leave individual markings

Can be class characteristics or individual characteristics

Typescript Comparisons Make and model of typewriters and printers may be determined by type, toner,
and paper characteristics. Alignment, slant, and wear and tear on ribbon can individualize a particular
machine. Copiers can be identified by comparing distinctive patterns formed by debris and imperfections
on mechanical parts. Faxes can be identified by TTI Printers can be ID by ink composition.

Handwriting …

How does it work? Handwriting originates in the brain when a mental picture of letters and words is
formed. The signal to try to duplicate the mental picture is sent to the arm and hand through the muscles
and nervous system. The actual output is almost never an exact match of the original mental picture.

Handwriting is different among individuals. Is handwriting specific to an individual?

Handwriting style and basic characteristics do not change over time.

Coordination and visual perception affect development. When is handwriting style set?

Handwriting style usually set by late teenage years. Handwriting Analysis

Collecting Exemplars are handwriting samples of known suspects to match document. Similar utensils
(pens, pencil), type of paper, ink, words, letters, and phrases At least one page long. Make writer
comfortable. Suspect should never see document. Repetition!

Types of Exemplars: Unrequested specimen: author had no idea it would be used for a comparison
Requested specimen: suspect is asked to produce a specimen

Handwriting Comparisons Line Quality (flow) Spacing (word and letter) Size (height, width of letters)
Lifting Pen (words) Connecting Strokes (capital to lower) Margins Unusual Letters (cursive, print habits)
Pen Pressure Slant Baseline Fancy Writing (curly, loops, unique styles) Diacritics (t’s crossed and I’s
dotted)
The Broad scopes of questioned documents examination:

A. Signature Identification (Forgery)

 whether the signature is simple or spurious forgery
 traced forgery
 genuine, authentic, known signature

B. Handwriting Identification
 Whether the questioned and standard specimen of handwriting in question has
similarity in handwriting style-block style, cursive writing or script writing
 Whether the handwriting was written by one and same person or written by another
person

C. Typewriting Identification and Computer prints verification

 Whether size and spacing in questioned and standard exemplars are similar or not,
including the type style
 Whether they possess the same unique identifying characteristics
 Determine origin of databases, copy toner data bases, paper data bases, watermarks,
computers and computer printouts of the questioned and standard computer
exemplars.

D. Alteration
 Determine whether or not the changes were made through erasures obliterations,
interlineations, substitution, etc
 Whether alterations were done during the preparation of the document or after the
execution of the document
 Whether a different ink or paper was used in altering the document

E. Counterfeit and other Miscellaneous Document Examination

 Determine the workmanship of each denomination as to whether it is genuine or
counterfeit
 Familiarize basic features of bank notes and coins

Apparatus/Equipment for Questioned Document Examination

- Stereoscopic microscope - ultra violet lamp
- Hand lens - transmitted light
- Shadowgraph machine - paper cutter
- Compound microscope - photo enlarger
- Oblique light - forensic comparator
- Micrometer caliper - photo paper dryer
- Typewriter - camera with macro lens
- Handwriting protractor - infra-red image converter
- Video spectral comparator
- Forensic optical comparator
- Electrostatic detection apparatus
- Common Tool – EXCELLENT EYESIGHT

Materials from which documents are made

A. Paper – papyrus (a grass-like plant found in Egypt)
B. Ink - Classes of ink
Printing Ink
Cancelling Ink
Iron-tannin Ink
 Record Ink
Fountain Pen Ink
Colored Ink
Copying Ink
Logwood Ink
Hectograph Ink
Stamp-pad Ink
Ball-point Inks
Liquid-lead pencil Ink

C. Writing Instrument (ball point pen, fountain pen, sign pen, pencil and markers)
Earliest writing instrument
- Roman Beaver
- Reed Pen
- Goose-Quill
- Early type of fountain pen
- Successful fountain pen

Description or Appearances of the Document

1. Folds and Creases – most documents are kept in a folded condition
2. Impressions stamps – impression of paper clips, stamp pads
3. Cancellation Stamps – hand stamps of Post Office result in impression that may cancel some
contents of the document
4. Erasures – by rubbing surface of the paper results in reducing the thickness of then paper
5. Surface – examination of the surface of the document should be conducted in strong daylight
to detect presence of effected chemical erasures.
6. Blot and Smears – blots are devised for obscuring forger’s intention hide rather than a
manifestation of the careless use of a pen
7. Dimensions – common practice to commit forgery is by careful trimming of the genuine size of
paper of the document rather than attempt to erase.
8. Perforations – slight irregularities in tearing may prove value to the examiner.
9. Adhesive stamps – stamp if examined, will sometimes reveal unsymmetrical outline due to
perforations.
10. Holes and tears – regard all holes and torn places as a suspect document deliberately made to
cover acts of forgery; (hole for fastening a sheet together)
11. Wire marks and watermarks – are identifying features of a sheet of introduced into the paper
at the very early state in its manufacture.

Terminologies:

Document – any material which contains marks, symbols or signs, in which these components may either
be visible, partially visible or invisible – legally competent in conveying a meaning or message to someone.

Questioned Document – act of making a close and critical study of any document-questioned disputed or
attacked, necessary to discover the fact about them.

Comparison – a process or act undertaken in questioned document examination in which two or more
items are set side by side (juxta position) to weigh their identifying qualities. It may not refer to visual but
also the mental act in which the element of one item is related to the counterparts of the other.

Collation – ordering or assembling of detailed results of critical comparison of questioned documents; or

unified result of detailed comparison between different items or forms of information.

Opinion – the term “opinion” is technical term used in QDE which may refer to the document examiner’s
conclusion.
Natural variation – refer to the normal or usual deviation found between repeated specimen or any
individual handwriting or in the product of any type writer.

Natural writing – refers to any specimen of writing executed normally without any attempt to control or
alter its identifying habits and its usual quantity or execution.

Forensic document examiner – who examines adequate exemplars of documents and provides
conclusions, reasons, and photographic demonstrations in court, so that the court can make its own
determination in giving appropriate decision.

FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINER

- To determine if a questioned item originated from the same sours as the known item(s), then
presents his opinion in court as expert witness.
- Examines handwritings and signatures, typewriters, photocopies, laser printers, fax machines,
check writer, rubber stamps, price makers, label markers, printing process, ink, pencil, paper,
alterations (additions, erasures, obliterations, substitutions, etc), indentations, sequence of
strokes, and physical matching.

Responsibilities of a QDE who serves as an expert witness in the courts of law:

1. Strive constantly to improve professional standing- done by association with other of the same
profession, keeping abreast of the literatures and by engaging in research and development
2. Must be certain of his technical conclusion – validity of a conclusion is affirmed by through
examination of the data submitted for examination.
3. Must avoid outside influences – not allow himself to be influenced by the opinion of
overzealous investigators or over-anxious clients. His conclusions must be based solely and
entirely on the findings deduced from the examination performed.
4. Must be fair and impartial on the witness stand – It is his duty to present the facts as they exist.
5. Must protect the innocent – by far the most important decisions are made in the laboratory,
not in the courtroom. The examiner must never lose sight of the important fact that he must
not only work to convict the guilty, but he must strive with equal vigor to clear the innocent.

Phases of Scientific Approaches in QDE

1. Recognition of handwriting characteristics – the style and individual characteristics
2. Comparison of handwriting characteristics – comparing questioned with the standard
exemplars, point of similarities and point of dissimilarities are noted for later evaluation.
3. Evaluation of handwriting characteristics for opinion purposes- after comparison, evaluate or
weigh the significance and number of points of similarities and dissimilarities of handwriting
characteristics as it will become the sole bases of conclusion.
4. Findings/Conclusions – offer findings or conclusions base on the result on the examined
documents together with photographic presentations.

Scientific handwriting identification

Handwriting – is a skill useful to a person because a person who has learned to write can
put thought on paper for others to read. The art and practice of writing is known as penmanship
or calligraphy.

SEVERAL HAND WRITINGS BECOME SUBJECTS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT CASES SUCH AS IN

RANSOM NOTES, POISON LETTERS, ALLEGED SUICIDE NOTE/LETTERS, ANONYMOUS LETTERS AND THREAT
LETTERS IN MATTERS OF AUTHORSHIP. THESE CASE ARE SUBMITTED FOR EXAMINATION TO DETERMINE
ITS AUTHENTICITY AND TO IDENTIFY ITS AUTHOR.
QUESTIONED SIGNATURE

Signature – is the name of the person written by him/her in a document as a sign of

acknowledgement.
- Somebody’s name written by him/her in a characteristic’s way.
- A distinctive mark, characteristics, or things that identifies somebody.

Genuine Signature – is a combination of limited number of letters and strokes that compose the
name of the author/writer.

BECAUSE OF ITS FREQUENT USE, IT BECOMES ALMOST AUTOMATIC WRITING WITH MANY
PERSONS. WITH THOSE WHO DO WRITE FREQUENTLY, CONSCIOUS WRITING ACT PRODUCES A
MORE PRIMITIVE WRITING MOVEMENT WHICH OF ITSELF ASSUMES IDENTIFYING IMPORTANCE.
FURTHERMORE, IN THESE PROBLEMS, THERE IS A SUSPICION OF FORGERY.

Forgery – is an intent to defraud; a legal term which involves not only a non-genuine document but
also an intent on the part of the maker to defraud (cheat).

Earmarks (Indicators) of Genuineness

- Habitual speed of writing
- Firmness of strokes
- Degree of skill
- Fundamental muscular movement
- Natural variations and
- Rhythm, coordination, continuity and precision.

Indications of forgery
- Hesitations
- Unnatural pen lift
- Patching, careful retouching
- Tremors
- Uncertainly of movement
- Drawn quality devoid of free normal movement
- Lack of natural variations
- Blunt initial and terminal strokes
- Concealed junction connection
- Defective line quality
- Presence of indentation and traces of carbon (in case of traced forgery)
- Presence of intercalations/interlineations

Common Types of Non-Genuine Signatures

1. Simple or spurious signature – a fraudulent signature slightly compared to Disguised Signature.
The writer introduced some disguised writing features into a questioned signature, with intent
to possibly late disclaim it.
2. Traced Forgery – a fraudulent signature that is complete and exact replication of a particular
genuine signature, is compelling evidence of it being a forgery, because it is contrary to the
principles of “natural variations”.

Three ways of accomplishing traced forgery:

a. By the use of carbon paper
-show slow, irregular drawing execution
b. By the use of pen, stylus instrument or alike without use of carbon
-creates an indented signature outline on the document being forged
-slow unnatural executions
-presence of indentions and depressions (canal)
 -lack of precise coincidence between the indented signature outline
c. By the use of transmitted light.
-sluggish
-unnatural executions
-heavy and irregular uncertainty.
3. Simulated or Freehand Imitation Forgery – a fraudulent signature executed purely by simulation
rather than by tracing the outline of a genuine signature can be referred to as a freehand
imitation or simulated forgery.

Two basis classes of forgery by simulations:

1. The use of an actual model document to be forged -the forger copies with pen or pencil
his conception of the form of the genuine signature model in the manner of the artist
sketching from a live model.
- Slow drawing movement
- Unnatural starts and stops
- Lack of rhythm
- Uncertainty of letter conformations
- Touch up strokes and patching

2. Without an actual model document at hand -the forger relies for inspiration on his
recollection from past observation of the genuine signature he proposes to imitate.

The Bases of forgery examination

1. Line quality – irregular, laborious, shaky, lack of rhythm.
2. Size/proportion - larger, wider, higher, inconsistent, different spacing after gaps
3. Pen lifts – frequent lifts off paper
4. Angle/slant – greater than 5 degree change, other hand slanting
5. Pen pressure – heavier than usual
6. Circle formation – more teardrops or egg-shaped, frequent counter clockwise
formations
7. Re touching – formal signature used, often re-touching strokes, foreign marks present.
8. Loop formation – wider spacing between, more squared, shorter or broken loops.
9. Stroke formation – wider Ms and Ws, more squared or wedged -shaped stroke
10. Alignment - change in baseline habits, more downward slants from baseline
11. Diacritics – heavier t-crossing, an i-dots, position placement changes
12. Initial/terminal strokes – heavier pressure, blobbed, vertical position change or slanting

EXAMINATION OF TYPE WRITINGS AND COMPUTER -GENERATED DOCUMENTS

-It is important to determine what type of printing process was used to create a document, identify
the type and model of the typewriter and its prints, identify computer data base print outs.

Typewriter Identification
-it involves forensic examination of the known samples and the questioned typewritten text
with the examination focusing on:
1. size of type
2. horizontal spacing of characters
3. vertical line spacing
4. character formation or type style
5. defects-observe which are consistent in both the known samples and questioned typing
Typewriter Classification (type writings are classified as follows):
1. Size of type
a) Pica
b) Elite
c) Roman (large in size than pica)

2. Spacing of Characters (escapement)

a) Pitch or spacing – number of letters in space of an inch
b) Variation of escapement in some script
c) Measurement of escapement

3. Interlinear spacing
a) Interlinear spacing is variable according to size of script
Pica – usually 6 line per inch
- 12 points of approximately 1/6 of an inch
- 2.54 mm per character

Elite - 12 letters per inch

- 2.12 per character

b) Irregularity in interlinear spacing

c) Interlinear demi-spacing document maybe typed with 1, 11/2, 2, 21/2 interlinear
spacing

4. Letter formation – type style

Computer Crime Developments

Computer Forensic Expert – have experience on a wide variety of hardware and software.

The process of examining a suspect computer system is as follows:

- Secure /protect the system from further use, damage, or corruption
- Discover all files, including hidden and encrypted ones
- Recover all (as many as possible) deleted files
- Reveal all hidden, temporary, and swap files
- Access all protected or encrypted files
- Analyze all unallocated or stack spaces on a disk
- Print out an overall analysis of the system, listing all files
- Formulate an opinion of the system layout, file structure, and any attempts to hide,
delete, protect, or encrypt (coded) information