NCJ Number
77084
Journal
International Criminal Police Review Issue: 343 Dated: (December 1980) Pages: 271-281
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Examinations which damage or alter the document in an attempt to establish the sequence of superimposed lines are described.
Abstract
The examinations described involve either cutting out a small portion of the paper (circular or more or less rectangular in shape, with a diameter or side measurement of from 5 to 15mm.) at the location of the intersection or of applying a substance to the intersection (a casting material, reagent, etc.). In the first case, the document is changed, the line-crossing remains intact or is covered over, and in the second case, both the document and the line-crossing are damaged. The techniques described involve spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscope, transfer methods, resin treatment, and studies or crushing. Whatever the method used, it must be in accordance with the relevant legislation, and the technicians must respect the procedure laid down. It is also essential to make a visual record of the document and the intersection in their original state before submitting them to any treatment. This can be done by photographing the front and perhaps the back of the document or by using macrophotography to photograph the intersection itself. Photographic illustrations are provided, along with a bibliography of 24 references. See NCJ 76413 for part 1 of this article.