why and when is forensic document examination used

FORENSIC DOCUMENT UNIT TEST METHODS Issuing Authority: Division Commander Page 4 of 161 Issue Date: 08/01/16 Version 8 1. Forensic Document Examiners need to precisely record every step of the forensic document examination. Trained forensic document examiners systematically inspect questioned documents and compare aspects of the document to known standards in order to identify the nature and source of the writing or printing. Typewritten documents may be traced back to the typewriter on which they were written by means of the class characteristics of the machine (e.g., manual/electric, fabric ribbon/carbon film ribbon, type design) and individual variations across machines due to wear and tear, damage or misuse. Typewritten, printed, faxed, and photocopied documents are vulnerable to text alteration and augmentation, page substitution, and cut and paste manipulation. Thus, it is important that obtained writing specimens be taken from around the time of the questioned document. Where possible non-destructive tests are used. Documents that contain indented impressions not visible to the naked eye may be recovered through the use of an Electrostatic Detection Device (EDD) and oblique lighting photography. Any forensic document examination involving a fax machine also should include consideration of the Transmit Terminal Identifier (TTI), which is typically found in the heading of any transmitted document. As compared to a freehand copy, tracing a signature often results in a very close approximation of the original; in fact, they may provide a more exact copy of a signature than would normally be found due to natural variations in handwriting. The most commonly used EDD is the electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA), which uses an electrostatic charge and toner to visualize areas of indented writing that may have been left by erasures or pressure from writing on top of the document in question. Watermarks also may be useful to examiners as a means of identifying the type of paper, manufacturer, and date of production. He also provides a brief example, comparing two handwriting samples, drawing attention to some of the key differences that a handwriting analyst may utilize in his analysis. In fact, some forensic document examiners are also certified fraud examiners. While differentiation among inks can be accomplished by visual examination, nondestructive, and chemical tests, positive identification of the specific source of the ink (i.e., the exact pen) is unlikely. Answer to 5. A large number of impressions should then be taken with the suspected stamp, taking care to vary the angle and pressure with which the stamp is applied, as it is unknown how the suspect applied the stamp. This means that FDEs can often find employment working with forensic accountants and other fraud investigators. It is critical that the document examiner obtain multiple samples of an individual’s handwriting for comparison to any questioned document, as natural variations will always be present in a person’s handwriting, even within the same document. In this article, forensic document examiner, Mark Songer D-ABFE, CFC, discusses some of the methods used by identity thieves to acquire personal data and strategies that individuals can use to guard against identity theft. Adobe Photoshop® or similar software may be used to assess line orientation and spacing, which may be particularly useful in helping to identify anomalies or distortions in the text. Preliminary investigations of questioned paper documents involve testing the color, thickness, weight, weave pattern, and fiber analysis in order to determine the source of the paper. Forensic document analysis is employed to examine any form of questioned document to help establish the author (s), to identify any alterations and to help establish the origin. There are two internationally recognized programs that accredit forensic laboratories: The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board and ASI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/FQS. This document contains an unsolicited letter of gratitude from one of Mark’s many satisfied clients. Although structural characteristics are often still evident, subtle details, such as hesitations, pen lifting, and retouching may not be reproduced. The methods of questioned document analysis involve handwriting examination, and analysis of ink, paper, printing, typewriters etc.to determine if the questioned document is authentic or not. Start now! Questioned Document Examiners conduct questioned document analysis on various documents such as wills, ID cards, bank documents and much more. Forensic document examiners look not only at handwriting but also the paper, ink and writing implement used. They may also result in roughened or disturbed paper fibers and impressions of the original writing, and ink written over erased areas tends to bleed slightly and spread. Tracing paper may be placed over the genuine writing or a light box may be used to illuminate the underlying writing so that the overlying paper may be traced upon. It is also possible to place the original on the document where the writing is required and to trace heavily so that impressions are left on the document beneath, which are then inked. Surface weaves are uncommon but are easily visualized with side lighting. by Handwriting Experts. It is particularly important for the forensic document to examine the original questioned document if it is accessible, as valuable evidence can be obtained through the microscopic examination of the original signature. Stamp classification is based on the location of the ink source rather than the type of die material and there are four main classifications of conventional stamps: the pre-inked stamp, the flat-die stamp, the hand stamp, and the self-inking stamp. Forensic Document examiners are assigned the duty to apply different techniques and methods to check the authenticity of the questioned document.. Some fax machines also allow the user to reprogram certain formatting characteristics, which may make it more difficult to accurately discern the make and model of the source machine. Patching occurs when the writer notices an error made in their writing, such as not fully closing a letter or omitting an embellishment characteristic of the original, and corrects these errors after writing the letter or word. Mr. Songer has instructed numerous law enforcement officers and civilian examiners in handwriting identification as well as the collection of writing samples. Forensic Document Examination introduces the reader to the basic principles of handwriting and the factors that affect their development. The forensic auditor will plan their investigation to achieve objectives such as: By the conclusion of the audit, the forensic auditor is required to understand the possible type of fraud that has been carried out and how it has been committed. As a result, subtle details often relied upon in the analysis of handwriting or typed writing may not be reproduced. Forensic document examiners are often called upon to determine whether questioned documents have been augmented or altered for fraudulent purposes. The CFO had knowledge of this fact, but still recommended that Telemart enter into a contract with RJ Inc because he was secretly receiving compensation from RJ for doing so. Standards and methodologies apply now, which were non-existent 20 years ago. Forensic Document Examiner, Mark Songer, D-ABFE, CFC, was recently engaged in an investigation where he was tasked with verifying the authenticity of a business document. Thickness may be measured by using paper calipers or micrometers, while weight may be measured by using a very sensitive scale. Next, it should be established whether the questioned document is an original or a reproduction, and whether there were multiple printing methods involved in the creation of the document (e.g., a printed document that was then photocopied and/or faxed). Forensic Document Examination. Guidelines for Forensic Document Examination, Part 6, by SWGDOC (Forensic Science Communications, April 2000) April 2000 - Volume 2 - Number 2 Guidelines for Forensic Document Examination Adding new information that was not in the original document or substituting an entire page also may perpetrate fraud. The color of a piece or pieces of paper may be compared against a white standard or through a side-by-side comparison. It is an apprenticeship field, requiring years of practice and work with an experienced examiner. by | Dec 2, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 comments | Dec 2, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 comments In natural writing, the writer is likely to have a strong fluency of line- meaning the pen will rarely, if ever, leave the paper while writing a single word or signature. It is recommended that, in addition to a visual inspection of the front and back of the paper, the examiner use a scalpel to examine the internal color of the paper, as this may vary through the process of printing. Say a suicide note is found at the investigation scene. We are also able to examine indented documents using ESDA. For example, Telemart, on the recommendation of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) What Does a CFO Do What does a CFO do - the job of the CFO is to optimize a company's financial performance, including: reporting, liquidity, and return on investment. Because science is now used routinely in litigation, various groups, including lawyers, judges, enforcement officials, and the public, need to know what forensic science can and cannot do. Writers may also write with their unaccustomed hand in order to disguise their handwriting, which usually results in a drastic reduction in skill level characterized by a loss of fluency and larger letters than when written with their dominant hand. Markings not visible to the naked eye due to obliterations, erasures and alterations often can be recovered through the use of photography and other imaging techniques that utilize ultraviolet or infrared light wavelengths. Forensic document examination. Forensic examiners are often required to evaluate the authenticity of an individual’s signature, particularly in the case of contested wills or other legal documents. A former FBI Special Agent who was also a Forensic Examiner within the FBI’s Questioned Documents Unit spearheads our Questioned Document Examination (QDE) practice. Tier 3: Send to an SDO. Even though the manager did not directly financially benefit from this approval, he is deemed likely to receive personal benefits after making such inappropriate approvals. Write reports or give testimony, when needed, to aid the users of the examiner’s services in understanding the examiner’s findings. ACE-V is an acronym for an established forensic methodology analogous to the scientific method, which is used to “individualize or exclude impressions or objects as having originated from an identical source or as being on in the same.1” A stands for analysis, or the process in which gathered information is analyzed for specificity and relevance; C represents the comparison stage, or the stage in which it is determined whether the examiner’s predictions are valid, invalid, or inconclusive; and E stands for evaluation, which relies on the examiner’s training and experience to evaluate the information generated in the analysis and comparison stages of the ACE-V method. An individual attempting free-handed simulation of writing strives for both accuracy of shape and proportion, and fluency of line; however, it is nearly impossible to achieve both. They prepare a detailed report about the methods and proc… Indented impressions may be called into evidence in legal cases in order to connect evidence; for example, tying a ransom note to a notepad found in the suspected kidnapper’s home. With respect to forensic standards, ASTM describes four components to Forensic Document Examination, indicating that an examiner “makes scientific examinations, comparisons, and analyses of documents in order to: The Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination (SWGFDE) is another organization that develops standards in the field of forensic document examination. A side-by-side comparison can then be conducted with the questioned impression, and conclusions as to the source of the impression may be made. These may be manufacturing defects, such as defective die material, distortion, or misalignment, or may be a result of use (e.g., accumulated ink, dirt, or fibers) or misuse. Forensic document examiners use a variety of methods to investigate and establish the authenticity of documents. Further destructive testing may also be necessary to discriminate among ink types. Document examination is a branch of Forensic science which deals with the examination of documents which are disputed in the court of law. This means that FDEs can often find employment working with forensic accountants and other fraud investigators. Therefore, questioned document examiners must consider the consistency of the overall document in order to look for signs of tampering. Common techniques used for collecting evidence in a forensic audit include the following: To summarize, a forensic audit is a detailed engagement that requires the expertise of not only accounting and auditing procedures but also expert knowledge regarding the legal framework. Forensic examiners also evaluate paper documents for internal or surface weaves. But in document examination there is a lot more to do with a computer. Forensic document examination or questioned document examination answers questions about a disputed document using a variety of scientific processes and methods. Determining the origin of the ink on a document may be especially useful in helping examiners to detect fraudulent entries or alterations in a document. Documents may be damaged, making the process all the more challenging. Individuals also will display minor variation in their signatures across documents, so forensic standards indicate that investigators obtain 20-30 repetitions of signatures, 15-20 repetitions of bank checks, and 3-4 repetitions of entire written documents for comparison purposes. Signatures may be of particularly poor quality if they must be reproduced in front of the person intended to receive or verify it (e.g., signing a credit card receipt in front of a storekeeper). Within. Many examinations involve a comparison of the questioned document, or components of the document, with a set of known standards. When a fraudster uses his/her influence for personal gains detrimental to the company. In this article, forensic document examiner, Mark Songer discusses the role of document analysis in elder care disputes. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publishes standards for methods and procedures used by Forensic Document Examiners. DNA proof retrieved from a victim’s body can also ascertain who was accountable for physical or sexual violence. A logical flow of evidence will help the court in understanding the fraud and the evidence presented. Questioned document examination is a forensic science discipline in which documents called into question in the legal system are evaluated by a trained examiner. Questioned documents may include markings from rubber stamps, embossed seals, watermarks, or other mechanically-printed marks. Its primary purpose is to provide evidence about a suspicious or questionable document using scientific processes and methods. FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION A Brief History Frye v United States 293 F, 1013 (DC Cir. Although there are no specific college majors or degrees in forensic examination, scientific training is encouraged and continuing education courses are required to remain in good standing with the aforementioned boards. Mark is a former FBI Special Agent and FBI Forensic Examiner, where he served as part of the FBI’s ERT/RDT teams. Forensic Document Examination enlightens forensic document examiners, forensic investigators, attorneys and others using the services of forensic document examiners with the basic principles and current trends in the area. Forensic Access provides a comprehensive documents service that includes the examination of altered documents as well as handwriting comparison and the comparison of signatures. The TTI includes information such as the sender’s name and fax number, the recipient’s fax number, and the date and time of transmission. While forensic accounting refers to various areas as discussed hereunder fraud examination is mainly focused at anti-fraud related matters. He also developed and implemented Forensic Science & Criminal Justice programs at several institutions of higher learning, including the University of California and La Sierra University. Do you want to be a world-class financial analyst? For example, the client might be suspicious about possible fraud in terms of the quality of raw materials supplied. Computer manipulated documents. At the time, RJ Inc was not authorized to conduct business, as its license was suspended due to certain irregularities in taxes paid. The scope of a document examiner’s duties extends far beyond authenticating signatures. The ink’s composition can then be compared to the International Ink Library, a database of more than 9,500 inks that is maintained by the U.S. Secret Service. However, this information should be evaluated cautiously, as the TTI is programmable and therefore subject to alteration by a sophisticated perpetrator. Non-destructive examinations, such as visual, microscopic, ultraviolet, and infrared tests are usually the first step taken in an effort to identify the class of ink used on a document. Enroll now for FREE to start advancing your career! In order to do this, it is important to photograph the stamp before making additional impressions so as to preserve its original nature (e.g., ink saturation, dirt, fibers). It is sometimes possible to remove the obliterating material using an ordinary rubber eraser, chemical solvent or scraping off the overlying layer, although pains must be taken not to damage the underlying writing. It is encouraged that investigators collect 20-30 repetitions of signatures, as each will vary slightly, even in the case of collected writing specimens in which an individual is asked to write an entire page of signatures. The book discusses the basic concept of the characteristics of writing that are compared when making an identification or elimination of a writer. Investigators are able to take into consideration a wide variety of individual factors characteristic of an individual’s handwriting, including letter construction and proportion, pen movement and position, writing speed, letter and word spacing, and the use of embellishments, punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Image processing. why and when is forensic document examination used. Once this is accomplished, the examiner may turn his or her attention to the specific nature of the markings, specifically noting any defects that may be unique to an individual stamp. This technique has resulted in the recovery of indented impressions on paper up to seven layers beneath the original writing, though findings may vary depending on pen pressure and paper thickness. ABC Westland 271, Poeldijk. The increasingly ubiquitous use of computers resulting in computer-generated documents has resulted in difficulties for the questioned document examiner. Font and line spacing should be examined, as discrepancies may be subtle but indicative of an alteration or addition to the original document. Ink Examination. Forensic document examinations should be conducted by a Forensic Document Examiner (FDE or “Document Examiner”). Introduction. A forensic audit is an examination of a company’s financial records to derive evidence which can be used in a court of law or legal proceeding. Where more than one signature is in question, please submit all of your documents; this could help strengthen the evidence in the case. Forensic chemistry is the application of chemistry and its subfield, forensic toxicology, in a legal setting.A forensic chemist can assist in the identification of unknown materials found at a crime scene. ANSI/ASB Standard 117, Standard for the Examination of Stamping Devices and Stamp Impressions, First Edition, 2020. Why and when is forensic document examination used? More probably, the examiner will be able to trace the ink back to the specific type, class, and or brand of ink, and suggest that it is scientifically indistinguishable from the suspected source. For more information contact Mark Songer. Both handwriting and signatures can be simulated or traced; however, the latter is more common. This can be done with vary degrees of sophistication and success. Questioned document examinations involve a comparison of the document, or aspects of the document, to a set of known standards (i.e., authentic specimens). Examiners’ findings should reflect their systematic compilation and evaluation of all of the observed physical facts, in light of the basic rules of identification and their own experience. This guide will teach you to perform financial statement analysis of the income statement, Public companies are obligated by law to ensure that their financial statements are audited by a registered CPA. CFI is the official provider of the global Certified Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA)™CBCA® CertificationThe Certified Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA)® accreditation is a global standard for credit analysts that covers finance, accounting, credit analysis, cash flow analysis, covenant modeling, loan repayments, and more. However, more sophisticated insertions or alterations require careful examination of the document as a whole to identify discrepancies. Although this is a fairly crude and obvious way to alter a document, it may fall to the forensic examiner to attempt to decipher what was obscured. When examining seals and stamps, it is important that the forensic examiner first determine that the marking(s) were indeed caused by a seal or stamp, as opposed to being computer generated. These courses will give the confidence you need to perform world-class financial analyst work. For example, if a manager allows and approves inaccurate expenses of an employee with whom he has personal relations. Questioned document examination is known by many names except one: A. Forensic document examination B. A forensic audit can reveal such cases of fraud. Tracing a signature or handwriting can be achieved through a number of means, assuming the individual has access to an authentic sample of writing. 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