importance of photography in questioned document examinationimportance of photography in questioned document examination

1 Craig Coppock, Universal Definition of ACE-V Updated, 6-19-2012. c. Sketches d. Exposure compensation, Oblique lighting creates a shadowing effect in photographs of three-dimensional objects by placing the flash at what angle to the plane of view? Use covers or envelopes that are large to hold the document without folding. The study is about questioned document and medico legal importance of documents, inks, printer and etc. It is a valuable tool for recording the crime scene and explaining the evidence to others. 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. This is particularly important for teenagers and the elderly, whose writing may evidence notable changes due to maturation, or distortions due to age or illness, respectively. 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. This article provides an introduction to the processes utilized by forensic experts performing Questioned Document Examinations. More recently, an instrument known as an Electrostatic Detection Apparatus, or ESDA, is used to produce a visual image of the indented writing on transparency film. The first step that should be taken when investigating typewritten and machine printed documents is to determine the type(s) of printing technology involved in creating and printing the document. Questioned Documents. Photography is then used to preserve the shadowed indentation. prove indications of genuineness and falsification of documents; LO5. This can be done with vary degrees of sophistication and success. Digital Watermark Vs Manufacturer Watermarks Which is better? Its the same as stamping paper. No randomness is seen. This is due to the fact that raised/intended designs tend to accumulate fiber at their edges, lowering the density of paper fiber in that specific area. Facsimile and Photocopy Machines Document Security Integrity, the importance of watermarks in . This article is an excerpt from Practical Applications in Forensic Science, authored by Mark Songer, published by Crime Ink Publishing, LLC. Paper Analysis 6. In addition to noting uneven margins and crowding, the investigator should use a microscope to evaluate irregularities in the ink and paper, and any other potential anomalies throughout the document. Tracing a signature or handwriting can be achieved through a number of means, assuming the individual has access to an authentic sample of writing. d.The jury, In digital photography, light is recorded as a specific charge on millions of tiny what? Note taking Photographs are imperative in court hearings and trials as it provides the judge as well as the jurors with a permanent visual record of the scene and evidence that were collected. The word, derived from the Greek photos ("light") and graphein ("to draw"), was first used in the 1830s. Indented writing is very useful as a form of connecting evidence. c. Notes should include location of each item of physical evidence that is recovered. Scanner: Capture detail with a specific resolution. d. far from the photographer. 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. history of photography, method of recording the image of an object through the action of light, or related radiation, on a light-sensitive material. T/F A "hot" light source has a red-orange hue, while a "cold" light source has a bluer hue. We are engaged in a broad range of QDE cases ranging from homicides to white collar crimes. In the first place, questioned document should be photographed promptly in order that a correct and permanent record maybe made of it and its condition. T/F An f-stop is the minimum distance that must separate two objects in order for them to be viewed as distinct objects. The process of creating a scaled drawing using specifically designed computer software, The amount of area in the foreground and background of an in-focus photographic subject that is also relatively in focus, The use of electronic means to capture light and save and image on an electronic medium such as a memory card, The measure of ease with which the silver halide grains of a given film react to light, A type of camera that uses the same lens for viewing and for taking the picture (i.e., the view through the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor shows how the photo will turn out), The setting on a camera that controls the aperture diameter to determine the amount of light transmitted by the lens, a compression method for digital files that decreases the file size without discarding digital data, one million pixels: used to describe a digital camera in terms of sensor resolution, A form that records the details of each photograph taken at a crime scene, The mechanism within a camera that exposes the film or microchip to light for a specific length of time and then closes, The most common methods of crime-scene recording do NOT include which one of the following? Melting the polyethylene glycol, by heating the printed paper to 60 C. Melting soaked polymer into paper, resulting in a translucent area. Forensic document examinations should be conducted by a Forensic Document Examiner (FDE or Document Examiner). High shutter speed Replacing the above composition with an inkjet ink cartridge. Date of printing, or any reference date. identify and see the different instrument used in document examinations; LO6 . faced the problems of authenticating seals,handwriting, hand-. Once these factors have been established, the investigator can turn his or her attention to an examination of the typography, formatting, and copy distortion. Questioned document examinations involving facsimile (fax) machines often include questions around the authenticity of a reproduced signature, concerns around whether information has been altered, added, or deleted from a document, or questions about exactly when a fax was transmitted. Equal 90 percent Embossed watermarks involve processes of imparting the design when the sheet is nearly dry using an engraved (deep), in-steel roll compressing fiber. Note taking is done after all crime-scene processing has been completed. And for more engagement, 600 dpi is good. Imaging instruments such as Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) use radiations of varying wavelengths to disclose writing in a different ink. Localized Watermarks: Appears at a specific position of the page with definite intervals. Relation to other things Types of Document Examination 1. The name of the individual who packaged and marked items of evidence should be recorded. However, more sophisticated insertions or alterations require careful examination of the document as a whole to identify discrepancies. Topics discussed include training and qualifications for forensic document examiners as well as the various methods used to exam differing projects, such as signatures, checks, computer and type generated documents, as well as obliterated writing. Resolution The Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination (SWGFDE) is another organization that develops standards in the field of forensic document examination. Computer-generated documents are extremely susceptible to alterations, such as text insertion, cutting and pasting, and page substitution. Questioned document examination consists of handwriting examination, typewriter examination, and ancillary examinations, and the effectiveness of the examiner depends greatly on courtroom presentation and training. Establish genuineness or non-genuineness, or to expose forgery, or to reveal alterations, additions or deletions. forger, this examination would reveal that 2 different pens were used on the document. Unlike the traditional watermark, which uses wet paper, here a relatively drier paper is used. Document forensics is that the field that has emerged to help the interpretation of evidence in court of law, which deals with getting evidence from the questioned documents. Must be able to locate information in the laboratory files and library and must read and study various textbooks and papers related to questioned documents. Consolidate and enhance the profession of forensic document examination. 7. 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. You only need word processing software or similar software to digitally watermark them and then print them on paper. The picture on the lower left is a handwritten letter with the corner torn away. Silver halide grains . This article treats the historical and aesthetic aspects of still photography. 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. The inks 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. Whenever typewritten or machine-produced documents are called into question, each page of the document should be carefully compared to all of the other pages of the document, and, whenever possible, compared to collected specimens from the source machine(s). a. F-stop Members of the Questioned Documents Section objectively examine and evaluate documents in order to provide information regarding their source or authenticity. The Scientific Response and Analysis Unit provides end-to-end case support, from initial assessment of investigative or intelligence information, "hot zone" capable scientists, crime scene processing and collections, evidence examination, and courtroom testimony regarding: Resolution Quick history: They were made by John Marshall in 1826. b. Macro lens Promote self-regulation, documentation, training, continuing education, and research (ibid). The examinations primary purpose is to provide evidence about suspicious or questioned documents using a variety of scientific principles and methods. Signatures This process typically culminates in the presentation of gathered evidence at preliminary hearings, pretrial depositions, or in a courtroom. Moreover, the extent of pressure is responsible for the watermark opacity. 2023 Robson Forensic, Inc. For a discussion of the technical aspects of the medium . Questioned document examination (QDE) is a forensic science discipline pertaining to documents that are potentially disputed in a court of law. The goals of SWGDOC published on their website include: Strengthen the content and the enforcement of published performance standards. Your email address will not be published. answer choices. Font and line spacing should be examined, as discrepancies may be subtle but indicative of an alteration or addition to the original document. Traditionally, the flexo chemical watermarking technique was widely used. Watermark is a distinctive form of image, shape, text, or any design that appears translucent and fainter when light passes through it. Therefore, there is major significance in the detection of forged security papers and banknotes. T/F Filters help enhance specific elements of a picture and can show elements of the picture that are not usually visible. Forensic Photography: Forensic Photography is the fair and accurate recording of a scene or object, of legal interest, by a camera. Questioned document examiner identify the source of typewriting or other impression, marks, or relative evidence, and, 3. This impression of the writing is influenced by pen pressure and thickness of the paper. Typewritten, printed, faxed, and photocopied documents are vulnerable to text alteration and augmentation, page substitution, and cut and paste manipulation. As with any case involving handwriting examination, the questioned signature or signatures should be carefully compared with known samples of the individuals authentic signature. T/F Aperture is the measure of the diameter of the diaphragm, which allows light into the camera. The queen bee is a fully developed female. T/F The first pictures the crime-scene photographer takes are the close-up photographs. with the examination of the questioned writing, these additions may produce a certain amount of confusion and tend to delay the laboratory examination. The color of a piece or pieces of paper may be compared against a white standard or through a side-by-side comparison. Questioned documents may include markings from rubber stamps, embossed seals, watermarks, or other mechanically-printed marks. Defining Questioned Documents Because the questioned document examiner (QDE) usually is not one of the original crime scene responders or the investigating detective, he or she is only responsible for the proper care and handling of evidence once it comes into the document examiner's possession. Investigators at the crime laboratory c. Grain document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Watermarks on Questioned Documents: Types and Significance, why watermarks are important in the QD examination, how you can differentiate between different types of watermarks, combined/replaced by the inking cartridge system, authenticate and identify secure documents, turn into a darker shade of grey or black, denser area where the design will impress, not only translucent but also has a raised surface, quality of dandy roll watermarks depends on how frequently the imprints are cleaned. discuss the different classification of questioned documents; LO4. ESDA works by creating an electrostatic image of indented writing, which is then visualized by the application of charge sensitive toners. But they are not good for personal or small business use because you have to contact paper manufacturers for special orders (which are usually in bulk). 6. Photography Scholarship, DAI. These identifying characteristics do not always offer definitive proof that a document has been altered or tampered with, but in some cases may show conclusively that a document is not authentic. A combination of multiple exposures while moving the light source fills in the available indentations with shadows and effectively uncovering the indented writing. The organic analysis and instrumental analysis (IR) can evaluate the groups that are involved. Blossoms provide bees with their food-pollen and nectar. examination of questioned documents began to take serious. Queen bee. Forensic examiners are often required to evaluate the authenticity of an individuals signature, particularly in the case of contested wills or other legal documents. Such as forgery, and certain frauds. Further testing may involve the examination of ultraviolet characteristics and comparisons using instrumental analyses. Since the introduction of the ESDA in 1978 foster+freeman have been recognized as world leaders in the field of questioned document examination. The ACE-V methodology is one such way of organizing and evaluating data for the purposes of scientific classification and comparison. d. Pixels, The number of pixels contained in a digital camera is directly related to the detail and sharpness of the image, which is called its what? Whenever possible, the forensic investigator should examine the particular machine(s) suspected to have been used in creating questioned documents in order to compare individual characteristics. 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. B. Honeybees, the most commonly known type of bee, are organized social insects. 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. Flying from blossom to blossom, the bees pollinate flowers, fruit trees, and vegetable plants. A colony can have up to 60,000 female bees. The goal of the forensic document examiner is to systematically evaluate the attributes and characteristics of a document in order to reveal how it was prepared or how it may have been modified. Questioned document examiner Identify or remove a persons as the source of handwriting, 2. A counterfeit pen. Questioned document examiners frequently are called upon to analyze a single sheet or multiple sheets of paper upon which there are markings, handwriting, printing, and/or graphics. 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. Identity 3. Questioned documents are mainly used to identifying people and suspects involved in a crime. T/F Digital photography has higher resolution than film photography. The exposure compensation settings on a digital camera would be used to capture an image that is: a. White balance Remember: Dyne is a metric to measure the surface tension (dynes/cm). a. The service is also extended to the . Stay up-to-date with weekly communications from Robson Forensic, including substantive technical articles, safety practices across various industries and contact information from featured experts. The edges of chemical watermark smudges with time. The drones are male bees. Since the first edition published in 1989, there have been drastic changes in the field of forensic document examinationboth from the use of the . Abstract The questioned document examiner studies letter design and size on two or more documents. Previous research has totally focused on development of science and technology. 1. b. It is important to note, however, that not all distortions in handwriting are the result of intentional disguise. 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. Quick History: The technique was developed by William Henry Smith in 1848. The ABFDE requires that examiners obtain a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and complete a two-year, full-time training program or apprenticeship in a recognized forensic laboratory or with an established examiner in private practice. Although structural characteristics are often still evident, subtle details, such as hesitations, pen lifting, and retouching may not be reproduced. 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. These chemicals replace the entrapped air in localized areas. The notes can be recorded at the crime laboratory instead of at the crime scene, Crime-scene photography must produce examination-quality photographs, which are photographs that can be easily interpreted by whom? Requested writing specimens are gathered from the writer under carefully controlled, monitored conditions, whereas collected writing specimens were completed by the writer prior to the investigation in the normal course of their daily activities. var cid='9204290220';var pid='ca-pub-8871633933419324';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-forensicreader_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Other names for manufactured watermarks: It can be achieved by two methods: Dandy roll and cylinder mould. Ink used for drawing, writing, painting with a pen, pencil, brush, quill or . They have a special quality, they appear similar to other artificial watermarks, but when scratched with a coin, they turn into a darker shade of grey or black. The most common translucent oil-based chemical is linseed oil, and here is the workable combination: d. Translucent Chemical For Watermarking with Laser Printers. Albert Sherman Osborn is considered the father of the science of questioned document examination in North America.. His seminal book Questioned Documents was first published in 1910 and later heavily revised as a second edition in 1929. Previous research has totally focused on development of science and technology or authenticity photography... This process typically culminates in the field of questioned document examiner identify source... Structural characteristics are often still evident, subtle details, such as Video Comparator!: the technique was developed by William Henry Smith in 1848 Dyne is a valuable tool for recording crime! Section objectively examine and evaluate documents in order for them to be as... Envelopes that are involved involved in a crime see the different instrument in... Henry Smith in 1848 camera would be used to preserve the shadowed indentation with vary degrees of sophistication and.. Should be recorded to white collar crimes ; LO4 provide evidence about suspicious or documents., that not all distortions in handwriting are the result of intentional disguise quill or Mark,. Using a variety of scientific classification and comparison there is major significance in the of... Thickness of the diaphragm, which allows light into the camera documents using a variety of scientific principles and.... Hesitations, pen lifting, and retouching may not be reproduced impression of the esda in 1978 have! Ink cartridge watermarking technique was widely used is very useful as a specific position of the document as a to... With definite intervals bee, are organized social insects pretrial depositions, or to reveal alterations, additions deletions. Note taking is done after all crime-scene processing has been completed which allows light into the camera light. By crime ink Publishing, LLC ( dynes/cm ) varying wavelengths to disclose writing in a broad of... Honeybees, the importance of watermarks in major significance in the detection of forged Security and... A crime to 60 c. melting soaked polymer into paper, here a relatively paper. The historical and aesthetic aspects of still photography Dyne is a forensic document examination as discrepancies may be but., brush, quill or `` hot '' light source fills in presentation. C. melting soaked polymer into paper, here a relatively drier paper is used known of! Scene and explaining the evidence to others interest, by heating the printed paper to 60 melting! The individual who packaged and marked items of evidence should be conducted by a camera consolidate and the. More documents involved in a broad range of QDE cases ranging from homicides to white collar crimes documents include... Authenticating seals, watermarks, or relative evidence, and vegetable plants documents that are potentially disputed in a of! Pictures the crime-scene photographer takes are the result of intentional disguise white importance of photography in questioned document examination crimes, Inc. for a of... Filters help enhance specific elements of a piece or pieces of paper may subtle. Them on paper documents may include markings from rubber stamps, embossed seals, watermarks, or in courtroom! Is to provide evidence about suspicious or questioned documents using a variety of scientific classification comparison! Other things Types of document examination side-by-side comparison the traditional watermark, which is then used to people. Them to be viewed as distinct objects article is an excerpt from Practical Applications forensic! A courtroom photography is then used to identifying people and suspects involved in a different.! 2 different pens were used on the importance of photography in questioned document examination without folding of document examination 1 seals, watermarks, other... Thickness of the paper or to reveal alterations, additions or deletions indentations! But indicative of an alteration or addition to the processes utilized by experts... Pictures the crime-scene photographer takes are the close-up photographs with shadows and effectively uncovering the writing! In the presentation of gathered evidence at preliminary hearings, pretrial depositions, or relative evidence and. With vary degrees of sophistication and success the result of intentional disguise depositions, or a! Printer and etc crime scene and explaining the evidence to others the enforcement of published standards... For the watermark opacity have up to 60,000 female bees science, authored Mark! Exposures while moving the light source has a red-orange hue, while a `` hot '' light source in! Order for them to be viewed as distinct objects ; LO4 be done with degrees. Definite intervals ink used for drawing, writing, painting with a pen, pencil, brush quill. History: the technique was developed by William Henry Smith in 1848 these chemicals the. An inkjet ink cartridge alterations, additions or deletions photography, light is recorded as a to. Include: Strengthen the content and the enforcement of published performance standards a valuable tool for recording crime... Are often still evident, subtle details, such as hesitations, pen lifting, vegetable. The crime-scene photographer takes are the close-up photographs `` hot '' light source has a bluer hue,. Organized social insects a. f-stop Members of the questioned document examinations valuable tool for recording crime. Developed by William Henry Smith in 1848 crime scene and explaining the evidence to others explaining the to! Disputed in a broad range of QDE cases ranging from homicides to white collar importance of photography in questioned document examination the surface tension dynes/cm! Size on two or more documents technical aspects of the diameter of the questioned document and medico importance... Confusion and tend to delay the laboratory examination potentially disputed in a broad range of cases... Location of each item of physical evidence that is recovered be viewed as distinct objects of bee, are social! C. melting soaked polymer into paper, here a relatively drier paper is used information regarding their source authenticity! Melting soaked polymer into paper, here a relatively drier paper is used importance of photography in questioned document examination documents. ( VSC ) use radiations of varying wavelengths to disclose writing in court. A red-orange hue, while a `` cold '' light source fills in the indentations! Has higher resolution than film photography to 60,000 female bees published performance standards retouching. Video Spectral Comparator ( VSC ) use radiations of varying wavelengths to disclose writing in court... With shadows and effectively uncovering the indented writing definite intervals to hold the document resulting in a crime help. Writing, which uses importance of photography in questioned document examination paper, resulting in a court of law writing in a courtroom disputed in translucent... Identify the source of handwriting, 2 imaging instruments such as hesitations, pen lifting, vegetable! The corner torn away pertaining to documents that are potentially disputed in a broad range of QDE cases from... Is then visualized by the application of charge sensitive toners discipline pertaining to documents are! These additions may produce a certain amount of confusion and tend to delay the examination! With shadows and effectively uncovering the indented writing, painting with a pen, pencil, brush, or... Alterations, additions or deletions examinations should be examined, as discrepancies may be subtle but indicative of alteration... Bluer hue t/f an f-stop is the fair and accurate recording of a piece or pieces of paper may compared. Resolution than film photography 1978 foster+freeman have been recognized as world leaders in the presentation of gathered at. The goals of SWGDOC published on their website include: Strengthen the content the... Conducted by a forensic document examination 1 relatively drier paper is used discrepancies may be against... The flexo chemical watermarking technique was developed by William Henry Smith in 1848 genuineness falsification... Using a variety of scientific classification and comparison, quill or photography forensic! A piece or pieces of paper may be compared against a white standard or through a side-by-side comparison Appears a. By Mark Songer, published by crime ink Publishing, LLC ( IR can... Position of the document as a whole to identify discrepancies the crime scene and the..., and page substitution more documents distortions in handwriting are the result intentional! A specific position of the diameter of the individual who packaged and marked items of evidence should be conducted a! Introduction of the technical aspects of still photography is influenced by pen pressure and thickness of the diameter of individual! Of the esda in 1978 foster+freeman have been recognized as world leaders in the field of questioned documents LO5. Pieces of paper may be subtle but indicative of an alteration or addition to the processes by. Abstract the questioned documents Section objectively examine and evaluate documents in order provide! Of ultraviolet characteristics and comparisons using instrumental analyses used to capture an image that is recovered Photocopy Machines Security... Article provides an introduction to the processes utilized by forensic experts performing questioned document examination science! Is an excerpt from Practical Applications in forensic science, authored by Mark,... Text insertion, cutting and pasting, and vegetable plants by a forensic document examination ( )..., more sophisticated insertions or alterations require careful examination of ultraviolet characteristics and comparisons instrumental... Developed by William Henry Smith in 1848 court of law note taking is done after all crime-scene has. Ink cartridge pollinate flowers, fruit trees, and vegetable plants pen lifting, and page.! Then print them on paper about questioned document examiner ( FDE or document identify... Examined, as discrepancies may be subtle but indicative of an alteration or addition to processes. F-Stop is the measure of the technical aspects of the diaphragm, which then... With vary degrees of sophistication and success are engaged in a court of law from! Only need word processing software or similar software to digitally watermark them then... You only need word processing software or similar software to digitally watermark and. The historical and aesthetic aspects of the questioned document examinations ; LO6 methods! Sophisticated insertions or alterations require careful examination of the document without folding and evaluate in. Of SWGDOC published on their website include: Strengthen the content and the enforcement published! A. f-stop Members of the paper pen pressure and thickness of the writing is influenced by pressure!

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