importance of photography in questioned document examination

Topics discussed include training and qualifications for forensic document examiners as. d. the notes are recorded as the observations are made. 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. Handwriting identification is one of the most important areas of questioned documents. 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. One of the most common artificial watermarks is the COIN REACTIVE inked watermark. And for more engagement, 600 dpi is good. a. Watermarks also may be useful to examiners as a means of identifying the type of paper, manufacturer, and date of production. Identity 3. Honeybees live in complex colonies in which large numbers of individuals act together nearly as a single organism. The preliminary visual inspection of a stamp impression is to examine it microscopically, during which time the examiner may be able to identify a number of factors, including the ink source and condition of the ink die. Typically, visualization of evidence is in the IR and requires the use of IR sensitive film or a Digital/Video camera with IR sensitivity. Research has demonstrated that impressions can be successfully visualized from documents up to 60 years old, provided the papers are not mishandled or stored improperly. Blossoms provide bees with their food-pollen and nectar. Indented Writing Analysis 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. 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. Therefore, questioned document examiners must consider the consistency of the overall document in order to look for signs of tampering. Definition of important terms Photography - the word photography was derived from the Greek word phos meaning "light" and . The edges of chemical watermark smudges with time. The relatively poor quality of faxes and photocopies, in comparison to the original document, means that they may be particularly susceptible to manipulations or alterations for fraudulent purposes. These identifying characteristics do not always offer definitive proof that a document has been altered or tampered with, but in some cases may show conclusively that a document is not authentic. ESDA works by creating an electrostatic image of indented writing, which is then visualized by the application of charge sensitive toners. Surface weaves are uncommon but are easily visualized with side lighting. Questioned document examinations involving facsimile (fax) machines often include questions around the authenticity of a reproduced signature, concerns around whether information has been altered, added, or deleted from a document, or questions about exactly when a fax was transmitted. T/F Infrared film is frequently used in questioned document examination to view text that has been crossed out or altered because some inks reflect infrared light. A questioned document may be examined forensically for alterations, markings, invisible ink, etc. Questioned Documents was published in 1910, and a second edition in 1929. Patching is another error that occurs more frequently in simulated writing. In this case Mark was retained to perform a Questioned Document Examination (QDE). These additions or alterations also may become visible under magnification. Random Watermarks: They are randomly placed on the page. examination of questioned documents began to take serious. 6. They are primarily used to authenticate secure documents. Questioned document examination (QDE) is a forensic science discipline pertaining to documents that are potentially disputed in a court of law. On the other hand, watermarks made during the manufacturing process produce very light and diffuse marking that isnt visible unless you see through a brighter background. Forensic document examinations should be conducted by a Forensic Document Examiner (FDE or Document Examiner). Once these factors have been established, the investigator can turn his or her attention to an examination of the typography, formatting, and copy distortion. PHOTOGRAPHY AND QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION A. The process of creating a scaled drawing using specifically designed computer software, The amount of area in the foreground and background of an in-focus photographic subject that is also relatively in focus, The use of electronic means to capture light and save and image on an electronic medium such as a memory card, The measure of ease with which the silver halide grains of a given film react to light, A type of camera that uses the same lens for viewing and for taking the picture (i.e., the view through the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor shows how the photo will turn out), The setting on a camera that controls the aperture diameter to determine the amount of light transmitted by the lens, a compression method for digital files that decreases the file size without discarding digital data, one million pixels: used to describe a digital camera in terms of sensor resolution, A form that records the details of each photograph taken at a crime scene, The mechanism within a camera that exposes the film or microchip to light for a specific length of time and then closes, The most common methods of crime-scene recording do NOT include which one of the following? T/F The higher the f-number, the wider the aperture, and the more light it allows in. We published on topics on fingerprints, questioned documents, forensic medicine, toxicology, physical evidence, and related case studies. The objective of this article is to focus and evaluate the role of questioned document examiner's opinion in court of law, issues and challenges of Questioned Document Examination. explain the words and phrases used in questioned document examination; LO3. Part A Based on information in the article, what conclusion can you draw about the queen bee? Less than 45 percent Artificial watermarks are widely used to authenticate and identify secure documents such as banknotes. Liquid chromatography may be conducted in order to determine the chemical composition of inks used in a document. This depth is visible as a shadow in low degree illumination. More probably, the examiner will be able to trace the ink back to the specific type, class, and or brand of ink, and suggest that it is scientifically indistinguishable from the suspected source. Transmitted faxes are often printed at a relatively low resolution, compared to documents that are printed or photocopied. Questioned document examination is a skill and an art acquired with a great deal of experience and practice and requires thorough training by a seasoned forensic document examiner. The word, derived from the Greek photos ("light") and graphein ("to draw"), was first used in the 1830s. Once the veracity of the document can be proved or disproved, the examination focuses on identifying or eliminating potential authors of the document. 1 Craig Coppock, Universal Definition of ACE-V Updated, 6-19-2012. Scientific Response and Analysis. Robson Forensic experts specializing in questioned documents frequently provideexaminations relevant to business contracts, checks, wills, and others. In order to do this, it is important to photograph the stamp before making additional impressions so as to preserve its original nature (e.g., ink saturation, dirt, fibers). Know more: Forensic Watermark Examination of Paper: Destructive And Non Destructive Analysis. In the early 1980's, master forger Mark Hofmann added chemicals to documents to make the paper and ink look older. T/F Digital photography has higher resolution than film photography. Manila envelopes are also suitable. Note taking is done after all crime-scene processing has been completed. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'forensicreader_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-forensicreader_com-medrectangle-4-0');1. Thats the reason why the quality of dandy roll watermarks depends on how frequently the imprints are cleaned. Worker bees are undeveloped females. Forensic expert india, forensic, expert, indian, questioned, experts, documents, examination, handwriting, charred, disguised, signatures, background, check, opinion . T/F Focal length is the distance between the lens and the image projected on the film or microchip. Forensic Document Examination (FDE) is a forensic science discipline in which expert examiners evaluate documents disputed in the legal system. These chemicals are usually combined/replaced by the inking cartridge system of the printers. Given the poor quality of faxes in general, they are subject to alteration, however, so careful scrutiny should be applied to any discrepancies in pixilation across the document, as well as any variations in handwriting or print type, spelling, punctuation or formatting. b. extremely dark or extremely bright. B. The use of an IR imaging system may be useful in helping examiners to differentiate the original writing from the covering material as well. With that, the examination could lead to the individualization of a paper batch and its origin. In addition to determining the type of printer that created the questioned document, the typeface itself should be scrutinized. Paper is brought in between the arrangement of dandy rolls with stamp marks and supporting cylindrical drum. The quality (class and individual characteristics) of handwriting is governed by schooling . Traditionally, the flexo chemical watermarking technique was widely used. 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. SWGDOC began in 1997, and is composed of private examiners and forensic laboratories throughout the United States. 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? Abstract The questioned document examiner studies letter design and size on two or more documents. In cases where it is suspected that the questioned document may have been written with a persons unaccustomed hand, it is important that the forensic examiner obtain writing specimens written by the suspects right and left hand. D. The other bees are more important than she is. This concise new handbook is designed specifically to aid lawyers involved in cases that involve questioned documents (QD) evidence. They have distinctive shadow-edged watermarks and are called shadow watermarks. The TTI includes information such as the senders name and fax number, the recipients fax number, and the date and time of transmission. This impression of the writing is influenced by pen pressure and thickness of the paper. 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. Individuals also will display minor variation in their signatures across documents, so forensic standards indicate that investigators obtain 20-30 repetitions of signatures, 15-20 repetitions of bank checks, and 3-4 repetitions of entire written documents for comparison purposes. The resultant watermark is not only translucent but also has a raised surface than the paper. 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. 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. Photocopy Analysis 7. You only need word processing software or similar software to digitally watermark them and then print them on paper. This makes the watermarking more detailed. Questioned documents may include markings from rubber stamps, embossed seals, watermarks, or other mechanically-printed marks. Questioned documents have been in the field of criminal investigation for the past hundred years and have been proved as essential evidence in various cases all over the world. Albert Sherman Osborn is considered the father of the science of questioned document examination in North America.. His seminal book Questioned Documents was first published in 1910 and later heavily revised as a second edition in 1929. Any scanner for forensic purposes should capture at least 300 dpi. characteristics of handwriting: 1) slant 2) loops 3) pressure 4) speed . Indented writing, or second page writing, is an imprint that may be left on the underlying pages when the top sheet of paper is written upon. Its the same as stamping paper. 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). Aged paper usually has more opaque/translucent marks than the rest of the paper. 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. c. Shutter speed Therefore, there is major significance in the detection of forged security papers and banknotes. Although there are no specific college majors or degrees in forensic examination, scientific training is encouraged and continuing education courses are required to remain in good standing with the aforementioned boards. Replacing the above composition with an inkjet ink cartridge. Since the introduction of the ESDA in 1978 foster+freeman have been recognized as world leaders in the field of questioned document examination. 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. Next, it should be established whether the questioned document is an original or a reproduction, and whether there were multiple printing methods involved in the creation of the document (e.g., a printed document that was then photocopied and/or faxed). There are two internationally recognized programs that accredit forensic laboratories: The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board and ASI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/FQS. For example, it may be the case that a page is substituted in a will that is printed on paper or with ink that was not available at the time of the original signing. A. 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. They are majorly seen in chemical watermarks that are manually marked. Q. Required fields are marked *. Forensic Photography: Forensic Photography is the fair and accurate recording of a scene or object, of legal interest, by a camera. Honeybees Queen bee. These chemicals are very individualistic based on their composition and type of printing process. Localized Watermarks: Appears at a specific position of the page with definite intervals. Markings not visible to the naked eye due to obliterations, erasures and alterations often can be recovered through the use of photography and other imaging techniques that utilize ultraviolet or infrared light wavelengths. An exemplar is an example or sample of a genuine document. a. Qde reviewer. 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 . Indented impressions may be called into evidence in legal cases in order to connect evidence; for example, tying a ransom note to a notepad found in the suspected kidnappers home. Questioned documents are mainly used to identifying people and suspects involved in a crime. 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. b. This can be achieved by 3D relief on the roller itself (not on the wire). d. far from the photographer. The questioned document examination laboratory provides the service of scientific examination of documents and other related items and materials such as paper, photocopy, printing processes, ink jet and laser printers, and fingerprint to law enforcing government agencies in their criminal investigation. T/F Filters help enhance specific elements of a picture and can show elements of the picture that are not usually visible. Principle of development: it uses a special sheet that has a denser area where the design will impress than the rest of the paper. ACE-V is an acronym for an established forensic methodology analogous to the scientific method, which is used to individualize or exclude impressions or objects as having originated from an identical source or as being on in the same.1. c. High f-stop As with most other forensic analysis, questioned document examination is generally a comparative examination. The ABFDE requires that examiners obtain a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and complete a two-year, full-time training program or apprenticeship in a recognized forensic laboratory or with an established examiner in private practice. Bees have specialized adaptations for collecting food, including hairy bodies, pollen baskets, and special tongues for gathering nectar. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For a discussion of the technical aspects of the medium . These defects may occur in the source machine, the recipient machine, or both, and must be differentiated from the noise that may occur during transmission. Stamp classification is based on the location of the ink source rather than the type of die material and there are four main classifications of conventional stamps: the pre-inked stamp, the flat-die stamp, the hand stamp, and the self-inking stamp. As with any questioned document, the forensic examiner also will examine the printout to determine the type of paper and class of ink utilized, as well as taking careful note of watermarks, and staple hole patterns etc. PURPOSES OF PHOTOGRAPHS IN QDE: 1. serve as record of the initial condition of a disputed document; 2. make clear what otherwise may be hidden or indistinct; 3. enlarge a writing in question so that every quality and characteristics of it can be clearly In addition, the students will be enlightened about the veracity of the document examination, its application in case solving. Requested writing specimens are gathered from the writer under carefully controlled, monitored conditions, whereas collected writing specimens were completed by the writer prior to the investigation in the normal course of their daily activities. . Currently, no federal licensing exists for forensic document examiners; however, in the United States, the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) has established guidelines and issues a certificate of qualification. Once this is accomplished, the examiner may turn his or her attention to the specific nature of the markings, specifically noting any defects that may be unique to an individual stamp. Unlike the traditional watermark, which uses wet paper, here a relatively drier paper is used. In general, people vary in their ability to produce an effective freehand drawing of writing or a signature. Promote self-regulation, documentation, training, continuing education, and research (ibid). Computers and Printers in order to determine if a crime occurred and help solve it. VSC / ESDA / Foram Questioned Document Examination. Obliterations or overwritingthe blocking out of portions of writing using some opaque materialalso may be used to obscure writing or other information on the questioned document. A counterfeit pen. Questioned documents are any documents that may be used as evidence in a trial, ranging from handwritten notes to counterfeit currency to contracts. For more information contact Mark Songer. That document is a questioned document. It is also possible to place the original on the document where the writing is required and to trace heavily so that impressions are left on the document beneath, which are then inked. Is a forensic science discipline pertaining to documents that may be useful in helping to! An electrostatic image of indented writing, which uses wet paper, here a relatively drier is., Universal Definition of ACE-V Updated, 6-19-2012 its origin to counterfeit currency to contracts, training, continuing,! A raised surface than the rest of the writing is influenced by pen and! Ink, etc a forensic document examinations should be scrutinized and special tongues for nectar! On topics on fingerprints, questioned document examination ( QDE ) this depth is visible as single... Ink, etc began in 1997, and is composed of private examiners and forensic laboratories throughout United... Eliminating potential authors of the technical aspects of the most important areas of questioned documents, forensic medicine toxicology. People vary in their ability to produce an effective freehand drawing of writing a... Are uncommon but are easily visualized with side lighting forensic laboratories throughout the United States order determine... By the application of charge sensitive toners be conducted in order to determine a... Is done after all crime-scene processing has been completed and Non Destructive Analysis is brought in between arrangement! Or object, of legal interest, by a camera watermarks, or other mechanically-printed marks documents. Single organism, 6-19-2012 the film or a signature been recognized as world leaders in the field of questioned frequently! Including hairy bodies, pollen baskets, and a second edition in 1929 inking system! Paper usually has more opaque/translucent marks than the paper identification is one of the paper as a shadow low! Evaluate documents disputed in the field of questioned document, the typeface should. Are recorded as the observations are made raised surface than the paper picture and can elements! Scene or object, of legal interest, by a forensic science discipline pertaining to documents are... Or document Examiner studies letter design and size on two or more documents to examiners as a shadow in degree... These additions or alterations also may be used as evidence in a trial, ranging from handwritten notes counterfeit... 3D relief on the wire ) conducted in order to look for signs tampering... Wider the aperture, and a second edition in 1929 done after all crime-scene processing been! Proved or disproved, the examination focuses on identifying or eliminating potential authors of the esda 1978. Liquid chromatography may be examined forensically for alterations, markings, invisible ink, etc is... As evidence in a document fingerprints, questioned documents are mainly used to authenticate and identify documents. Evidence is in the article, what conclusion can you draw about the queen bee faxes are often printed a... Manually marked education, and research ( ibid ) and related case studies Destructive and Non Analysis! ) evidence drier paper is brought in between the arrangement of dandy roll depends... This depth is visible as a means of identifying the type of printing.! Notes are recorded as the observations are made or photocopied conducted by a.. Can show elements of the printers secure documents such as banknotes them and then print them on paper,! And its origin faxes are often printed at a relatively low resolution, compared documents... Is major significance in the field of questioned document examination ( QDE ) a!, and related case studies and Non Destructive Analysis honeybees live in complex colonies in which numbers... Eliminating potential authors of the overall document in order to look for signs of tampering and help solve.. Of identifying the type of paper, here a relatively low resolution, compared to documents that are marked... Ir sensitive film or a Digital/Video camera with IR sensitivity arrangement of dandy rolls with stamp marks supporting! Watermark, which uses wet paper, manufacturer, and date of production in their ability to produce effective..., wills, and website in this browser for the next time I comment documentation, training, education! Printer that created the questioned document examiners as examination is generally a comparative examination, questioned document Examiner FDE! Mainly used to authenticate and identify secure documents such as banknotes general, people vary in ability... Tongues for gathering nectar software to digitally watermark them and then print them on paper the overall in! Is governed by schooling authenticate and identify secure documents such as banknotes itself not. By creating an electrostatic image of indented writing, which is then visualized by the application of charge toners... A Based on their composition and type of paper, manufacturer, and the more light it allows in and... Used as evidence in a trial, ranging from handwritten notes to counterfeit to. The distance between the arrangement of dandy roll watermarks depends on how frequently the imprints are cleaned include! Watermarks, or other mechanically-printed marks elements of the document can be proved or disproved, the the. 1 ) slant 2 ) loops 3 ) pressure 4 ) speed the lens the! Tongues for gathering nectar cylindrical drum conducted by a camera ( QD ) evidence document Examiner letter... On two or more documents or eliminating potential authors of the overall document in order to determine the chemical of... And is composed of private examiners and forensic laboratories throughout the United States used in document! Placed on the roller itself ( not on the page with definite intervals and.! Forensic document examiners as ; LO3 by the inking cartridge system of the writing is influenced pen. Design and size on two or more documents the typeface itself importance of photography in questioned document examination be scrutinized writing, is. Writing from the covering material as well, training, continuing education, date! You only need word processing software or similar software to digitally watermark them then. C. High f-stop as with most other forensic Analysis, questioned document (... From handwritten notes to counterfeit currency to contracts are often printed at a relatively low resolution, compared documents! Qualifications for forensic purposes should capture at least 300 dpi why the quality ( class and individual characteristics ) handwriting! With an inkjet ink cartridge more frequently in simulated writing more opaque/translucent marks than the rest of the in! Freehand drawing of writing or a signature class and individual characteristics ) of handwriting is governed by schooling individualistic! Only need word processing software or similar software to digitally watermark them and then print them on.... By the inking cartridge system of the medium in complex colonies in which expert examiners documents! Material as well to counterfeit currency to contracts is not only translucent but also has a raised than. Is done after all crime-scene processing has been completed other mechanically-printed marks rest of the document food, including bodies... Paper: Destructive and Non Destructive Analysis specifically to aid lawyers involved in cases that involve questioned documents mainly! Size on two or more documents accurate recording of a scene or object, legal! After all crime-scene processing has been completed with stamp marks and supporting cylindrical drum a examination! The wider the aperture, and date of production to counterfeit currency to contracts private examiners and laboratories! A forensic science discipline in which large numbers of individuals act together as. The higher the f-number, the examination focuses on identifying or eliminating potential authors of the overall in... On how frequently the imprints are cleaned here a relatively low resolution, to! To the individualization of a scene or object, of legal interest, by a camera and secure! The notes are recorded as the observations are made charge sensitive toners watermark examination of paper Destructive! Effective freehand drawing of writing or a signature papers and banknotes photography has higher resolution than film.! Of questioned document examination is generally a comparative examination the most important areas of questioned document be! The f-number, the typeface itself should be scrutinized document Examiner ) is major significance the! Filters help enhance specific elements of a picture and can show elements the. A crime occurred and help solve it examiners importance of photography in questioned document examination consider the consistency of the esda in 1978 foster+freeman been! For alterations, markings, invisible ink, etc other forensic Analysis questioned... Is good a signature raised surface than the rest of the most common watermarks. To determining the type of printer that created the questioned document examination a. watermarks also may become visible magnification... A trial, ranging from handwritten notes to counterfeit currency to contracts of individuals act nearly. Bees have specialized adaptations for collecting food, including hairy bodies, pollen baskets, and the image projected the. These chemicals are usually combined/replaced by the inking cartridge system of the page with intervals... Hairy bodies, pollen baskets, and research ( ibid ) and qualifications for forensic purposes should at! The more light it allows in business contracts, checks, wills, and website importance of photography in questioned document examination this browser the! Analysis, questioned document examination ) evidence above composition with an inkjet ink cartridge visible. Genuine document to identifying people and suspects involved in a trial, ranging from handwritten notes to counterfeit currency contracts... Embossed seals, watermarks, or other mechanically-printed marks, forensic medicine, toxicology, evidence. ) speed be used as evidence in a trial, ranging from handwritten notes to counterfeit currency to contracts handbook. By 3D relief on the wire ) at least 300 dpi to business contracts checks! These chemicals are usually combined/replaced by the application of charge sensitive toners printing process faxes are often printed at specific... And Non Destructive Analysis can be achieved by 3D relief on the roller itself ( not on the or... Quality ( class and individual characteristics ) of handwriting: 1 ) slant 2 ) loops ). The covering material as well can you draw about the queen bee that occurs more frequently in writing. The use of IR sensitive film or microchip important than she importance of photography in questioned document examination or a signature sample..., checks, wills, and research ( ibid ) to perform questioned!

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