NCJ Number
198762
Journal
White Paper Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2003 Pages: 31-33, 39,40
Date Published
January 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article details the collection and analysis of forensic document evidence by qualified examiners.
Abstract
After arguing that the collection and examination of documentary evidence is a critical component of fraud investigation, the authors discuss the importance of the content contained within documents, as well as the physical evidence contained on documents. Referring to “documents” as any type of letter or note, the authors discuss traditional forensic document analysis arguing that the intensive comparing of objective handwriting characteristics allows well-trained qualified conservative document examiners to assess the probability that certain individuals are responsible for written documents. Focusing on the ways in which to select a qualified document examiner, the authors indicate that the individuals well-suited to this field typically have a degree in one of the hard sciences such as chemistry, physics, or biology; have intensive, long-term structured training by law enforcement agencies; have extensive experience in forensic document examination; and possess strong references from past clients who have successfully used the services of these examiners. Noting that document examination certification alone is no guarantee of the proficiency of an examiner, the authors state that it is the responsibility of the employing agency or persons to conduct thorough due diligence on document examination candidates.