MODULE 7 | Questioned Documents

• any handwritten/typewritten document having a questionable authenticity and subjected to a forensic document examination

  Questioned Document
• any piece of evidence that bears symbols, marks, or signs meant for a communication

  Questioned Document
• General Methods of QDE

  1. Non-destructive Methods - uses electrostatics and/or light for examining documents
  2. Destructive Methods - require removal of small samples of ink from the questioned documents
• QDE method which helps in determining any ink differentiations or indented impressions on the documentary evidence

  Non-destructive Method
• Revealing Text from Indented Impressions

  • Principle: Indented areas of the document carry less negative charge than surrounding areas. This causes the toner to be attracted to these areas, revealing indentations.
  • Indentions can be visualized using an Electrostatic Detection Device (EDD) e.g., Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)
  • Up to 7 layers of paper beneath the original writing can be revealed
• Detecting Alterations, Obliterations, Erasures, and Page Substitutions

  • Principle: Exploiting variations in the way different inks respond to different wavelengths of light.
  • detected through the use of photography and other imaging devices that utilize ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths of light
  • Video Spectral Comparator (VSC)