NCJ Number
142367
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 2 and 3 Dated: (June-September 1990) Pages: 81-90
Date Published
1990
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the results of a study that compared impressions produced by the PTS II electronic chequewriter with impressions produced by manual and electric chequewriters.
Abstract
Chequewriters are devices used to restrict alterations to the intended value of a cheque. Currently, many makes and models are being manufactured with various type designs. These makes and models can be classified under one of the following general categories: manual (mechanical parts that are operated manually), electric (mechanical parts that are motor driven), and electronic (combination of digital and motor-driven mechanical parts. The electronic chequewriter was introduced in 1986. To date, research conducted by document examiners has dealt primarily with individual and class characteristics of manual and electric chequewriters. This examination of the PTS II electronic chequewriter impressions with impressions produced by conventional chequewriters has disclosed some basic differences regarding class and individual characteristics. The primary class characteristics that differentiate this chequewriter's impression from other makes and models is the character design. The primary individual characteristics that differentiate this chequewriter's impression from other impressions of the same make and model is character and platen damage. Since the PTS II has only one printwheel, unlike conventional models, a damaged character will be repeated regardless of its relative position on the amount of the cheque. Platen damage is another important identifying feature. Because every character on the print wheel contacts approximately the same general area of the platen, damage will be repeated in the same location and take the same form for all characters. 12 figures and 2 references