Questioned document analysis examines physical evidence from documents like handwriting, typewriting, photocopies, and ink to determine authenticity or identify forgeries. Characteristics like defects in typewriter parts or marks from printer components can be matched between documents. Security features in currency and documents include microprinting, security threads, and special inks. Forgeries are categorized as traced, simulated, freehand, or lifted depending on the method used. Handwriting analysis examines unique writing habits and patterns to determine authorship.

1. Document Examination Forgeries/Counterfeiting Handwriting Analysis Chromatography

2. Questioned Document Analysis typewriting much like firearms, typewriters of the same make and model are pretty much the same daily wear and tear or parts of the machining process can cause “defects” or individual characteristics that translate to paper when the machine is used

3. Questioned Document Analysis photocopiers and laser printers (demo) in photocopier, original is placed on glass and exposed using reflected light to a drum that is covered with photosensitve material image of original exists on drum as invisible positive photoelectric charge negatively charged toner is drizzled on drum where it sticks to the positive image paper with a positive charge passes the drum causing the negatively charged toner to transfer to the paper which is then heat sealed with laser printer - image of the original held in memory of computer is written to the photosensitive drum using a laser

4. Questioned Document Analysis photocopiers and laser printers paper yields clues marks from belts, pinchers, rollers and gears can be matched like toolmarks toner can have unique chemical compositions how toner is placed and fused on paper (ie. clumps, blobs) marks on optics scratches or other marks on glass, lenses or mirrors will leave markings on the printed page that can be matched with the optic

5. Questioned Document Analysis counterfeit security measures U.S. currency easy to counterfeit! all paper currency after 1993 has microline printing, nylon security threads and a plastic security strip as of 2000, all paper currency was updated except the $1 bill

6. Questioned Document Analysis counterfeit security measures official documents (i.e. passport) background is printed with intricate pattern of polygons with a color shift in the ink green stars – reflective specks sealed in the paper blue “USA” stamp overlaps photo and background paper three red stars stamped over edge of photo whole page sealed with single sheet of adhesive plastic microline printing in lower right corner

7. Questioned Document Analysis forgery false making or altering of any writing with intent to defraud four types traced simulation freehand lifted

8. Questioned Document Analysis forgery traced can use overlays (like tracing paper) transmitted light (as with a light board) tracing indentations left in the page underneath the original tracing patterns of dots that outline the writing to be forged

9. Questioned Document Analysis forgery simulation involves the copying of writing from a genuine article, trying to imitate the handwriting of the original freehand written with no knowledge of the appearance of the original just writing off the top of your head and passing it off as something else

10. Questioned Document Analysis forgery lifted tape is used to lift off a signature then place it on another document detection of forgeries freehand easiest to detect simulation easy to detect – style not as fluid, more hesitations than “comfortable” writing traced and lifted are easy to detect but identity of forger cannot be determined

11. Questioned Document Analysis handwriting analysis examination of design, shape and structure determine authorship basic principle is that no two people will write the exact same thing in the exact same way

12. Questioned Document Analysis handwriting analysis characteristics letter formations connectors upstrokes retraces down strokes spacing baseline curves size distortions hesitations flying stops

13. Handwriting Comparisons any object with handwriting or print whose source or authenticity is in doubt is referred to as a questioned document examiners gather documents of known authorship or origin and compare them to individual characteristics of questioned writing

14. Handwriting Comparisons collecting an adequate number of known writings is critical for determining the outcome of a handwriting comparison unconscious handwriting of 2 different individuals can never be identical writing style of an individual may be altered beyond recognition by influence of drugs or alcohol

15. Handwriting Comparisons general style at first, children copy standard letter forms for handwriting Zaner-Bloser method Palmer method many pupils have writing styles that are similar to one another minor differences attributable to skill in copying

16. Handwriting Comparisons general style as initial writing skills improve, writing becomes subconscious innumerable habitual shapes and patterns emerge that distinguish it from all others this is what document examiners look for

17. Handwriting Comparisons

18. Handwriting Comparisons variations angularity – 5 degrees Degree 1 – Writing on the surface exaggeration of curves embraces all white surfaces circular shaped letters inflated loops inside letters spread out – broad words Degree 2 – Curvilinear Handwriting predominance of curves over straight strokes softening of angles

19. Handwriting Comparisons variations angularity – 5 degrees Degree 3 –Semi Curvilinear or Semi Rectilinear no dominance in either curves or angularity Degree 4 – Rectilinear or Linear predominance of straight strokes angular connections tight loops round letters become oval shaped Degree 5 – On the Line or Very Linear suppression of curves exaggeration of rectilinear stroke stick like appearance inside letters are narrow

20. Handwriting Comparisons variations slope slant

21. Handwriting Comparisons variations speed

22. Handwriting Comparisons variations pressure

23. Handwriting Comparisons variations letter spacing word spacing zones

24. Handwriting Comparisons variations relative dimensions of letters relative to general public relative to each other

25. Handwriting Comparisons variations connections extras lack of

26. Handwriting Comparisons variations pen movement

27. Handwriting Comparisons variations writing skill spelling grammar word choice

28. Handwriting Comparisons variations arrangement of writing on paper margins spacing crowding insertions alignment

29. Handwriting Analysis

30. Chromatography – Ink Analysis chromatography – family of techniques for separating mixtures paper chromatography separate the dyes used in pens/markers relies on… composition of ink solubility of dye in solvent (water, ethanol…) extent to which ink clings to paper length of paper

31. Chromatography – Ink Analysis procedure spot of ink carried by solvent through capillary action components of dye (colors) separate mark solvent front and color fronts measure from base line calculate Rf value

32. Chromatography – Ink Analysis Rf value – retention value ratio of the distance the component traveled relative the distance the solvent traveled