A detailed description of instruments and equipment for examination of questioned document in forensic investigation.

1. PALLAVI KUMARI

2. The application of allied sciences and analytical
techniques to questions concerning documents is
termed forensic document examination. The
examination of questioned documents consists of
the analysis and comparison of questioned
handwriting, hand printing, typewriting, commercial
printing, photocopies, papers, inks,

3.  To provide information about the
history of a document for the benefit
of a court of law.
 To analyze handwriting for
identification.
 To identify forgery in documents.

4. Basic measuring tools include metric rulers,
calipers for fine measurements for
comparison and measurement of angles,
height, width and spacing of handwriting and
typewriting.

5. Handheld magnifiers enlarge the material
from 2 to 10 times (magnification powers
of 2X to 10X) and may have lighting
abilities as well to brighten the field of
view.

6.  The instrument uses two separate optical paths
with two objectives and eyepieces to provide
slightly different viewing angles to the left and
right eyes. This arrangement produces a three-
dimensional visualization of the sample being
examined.


7. Transmitted light,
Long and short wave ultraviolet light,
Infra-red light.
Transmitted light is simply light from
behind a document. The document can be
laid upon the box and the light from behind
the document makes it possible to see
details not otherwise visible.

8. UV and IR light are used to differentiate
between inks and papers, and to reveal
obliterated materials.
 Photography using specific films and
filters can be used in conjunction with
these special lights to reveal and record
information.

9.  The second important use of photography in
document examination is for recording and
presenting evidence.
 A critical part of the job of the document
examiner is to present evidence to the parties
involved in a document dispute.
 Photo equipment is likely to include a 35mm
SLR camera, digital camera, copy stand,
filters, extension tubes, lenses, and other
items.

10.  This instrument is capable of viewing and recording the
response of documents/inks when exposed to light of
various wavelengths. This is useful for the examination
and comparison of inks, the examination of security
features in documents such as passports and driving
licences, the examination of altered or obliterated
entries and the examination of entries which have
faded or been washed out.


11. The following lights and techniques may
be used in combination:
Visible lighting
Infrared lighting
Infrared luminescence
Ultraviolet light
Transmitted light
Coaxial lighting
Oblique lighting

12.  An electrostatic detection device is a
specialized equipment commonly used to
reveal indentations or impressions in paper
which may otherwise go unnoticed.
 It is a non-destructive technique thus allowing
further tests to be carried out.
 It is a sensitive technique capable of detecting
indentations on pages several layers below the
top sheet, and many years after the
indentations were created.

13. It is a separation
technique.
It is used to do a
thorough analysis of ink.
The ink is mixed with
chemicals and deposited
onto a silicate plate
where its constituents
can be measured

14. Infrared Reflectance is used to
show the residue of pencil
marks. This can be done clearly
even if the writing has been
erased. Pencils are made of
graphite which is a form of
carbon – and this absorbs
infrared light well

15. What is the wavelength of UV and IR?
What is the carrier in thin layer
chromatography?
What is corona wire?

16. R.N. Morris, Forensic Handwriting
Identification: Fundamental Concepts and
Principles, Academic Press, London
(2000).
E. David, The Scientific Examination of
Documents – Methods and Techniques,
2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis, Hants
(1997).
 www.google.com/images/document examination
 www.google.com/images/UV
 www.google.com/images/tlc