Questioned Documents
The Questioned Documents section analyzes document involved in criminal activities. A document is defined as anything upon which a mark is made for the purpose of conveying a message.
Although the primary service offered by this section is handwriting and signature analysis, scientists in this section perform various other examinations on questioned or disputed documents to determine their origin or authenticity.
Scope:
- Comparison of signatures and other writings
- Mechanical impression comparisons (e.g., typewriters, check writers, rubber stamps and seals)
- Identification of photocopy machines
- Typewriter make and model determinations
- Nondestructive examination of inks
- Deciphering water soaked, charred, or burned documents
- Deciphering indented writing on anonymous letters and other documents
- Torn and cut paper edge comparisons
- Printing and other duplicating processes analysis
- Spray-painted graffiti comparisons
- footwear and tire impression comparisons
Evidence Handling Video - Questioned Document Evidence Guidelines
Video Tour - Questioned Documents
Services
Footwear and Tire Impressions
Comparison of footwear impressions to footwear soles. Determine brand of footwear. Also, comparison of tire impressions.
Handwriting
Comparison of unknown handwriting samples to known handwriting samples.
Indented Writing
Development of latent writing
Machine Impression
Transcription of text from typewriter ribbons, etc.
Non-Destructive Ink
Characterization of ink
Physical Match
Used to determine whether or not two or more paper fragments were at one time joined.