Forensic Services - Multi-Faceted Examination Process

Many times a complete analysis of a questioned document demands the application of more than one type of scientific examination. When a document or documents are submitted for analysis, our document examiners will seek to provide answers to the questions posed by performing an objective and exhaustive analysis utilizing all aspects of their forensic experience and training, as well as the extensive resources of the laboratory. Since each and every case is unique, the type and number of examinations applied will vary, however, many potential forensic analyses will be considered. For example, a questioned “Last Will & Testament” could undergo non-destructive UV/IR analysis, detection of indented writing and marks, paper analysis, microscopy, and typewriter examination if regarded applicable by the examining analyst. As a result, you can be assured that your case will be given a comprehensive and broad examination that you would expect from a proficient forensic laboratory.

The following are examples of documents that may require a Multi-Faceted Examination:

  • Contracts
  • Wills
  • Medical Records
  • Hospital Charts
  • Legal Files
  • Diaries
  • Contracts
  • Agendas
  • Ledgers
  • Logs
  • Time Sheets
  • Business/Professional Notes

The following are types of examinations that may be performed:

  • Forensic Handwriting Examination
  • Ultraviolet (UV) / Infrared (IR) analysis
  • Detection of Indented writing
  • Analysis of incidental marks
  • Photocopier examination
  • Microscopy
  • Paper Examination
  • Typewriting analysis
  • * DNA testing
  • * Fingerprinting
  • * Chemical ink analysis
  • Printing Process Identification
  • Digitization and computer software assisted

*These examinations are offered as part of our Advanced Examinations service.

Traditional and digital Microscopy can be utilized to investigate the following aspects of a questioned document:

  • Paper substrate
  • Printing Technologies (laser, ink jet, typewriter, offset, etc.)
  • Bindings, staples, staple holes, paper clip markings
  • Incidental marks, stains, damage found on a document
  • Ink color and ink line morphology
  • Writing instrument identification

Non-destructive Ultraviolet (UV) / Infrared (IR) exams can be used for:

  • Paper substrate analysis
  • Ink analysis and ink differentiation
  • Decipherment of obliterations
  • Detection of alterations
  • Detection of insertions
  • Analysis of stains on a document
  • Detection of security features
  • Decipherment of charred documents

A specialized non-destructive instrument called an “Electrostatic Detection Device” is used to detect the presence of non-visible indentations or impressions found on the surface of a document. Indentation analysis may address issues such as:

  • Determining writings was executed at different times
  • Order or execution of writings
  • Page removal and/or page substitutions
  • Backdating of a document
  • Detection of incidental writing or marks