DIVISIONS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

A. Criminalistics Examination. This involves the detection of forgery, erasure, alteration or

obliteration of documents.
Dr. Wilson Harrison, a noted British Examiner of questioned documents said that an intelligent
police investigator can detect almost 75% of all forgeries by careful inspection of a document with
simple magnifiers and measuring tools.
B. Handwriting Investigation/Analysis. This is more focused in determining the author of writing. It
is more difficult procedure and requires long study and experience.

FORMS/ASPECTS (SUBJECTS) OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

A. Handwriting Examination (Graphology/Graphoanalysis)
1. examination of signatures and initials
2. examination of anonymous letters
3. hand printing examination
B. Examination of Typewritings and typeprints.
C. Examination of Inks
D. Examination of Erasures, alterations or obliterations, etc.
1.Detection of alteration
2.Decipherment of erased writings
3.Restoration of obliterated writings
E. Counterfeiting
1. Examination of currency bills and coins and the like.
2. Examination of fake documents
F. Miscellaneous aspects
1. Determination of age of documents
2. Identification of stamps
3. Examinations of seal and other authenticating devices

DOCUMENT EXAMINATION (In General)

A. VALUE -
1. In the commission of a crime, the criminal often finds it necessary to employ one or more
documents in furtherance of his act.
2. In some crimes, such as forgery, the document is an integral part of the crime.
3. In others, such as false claims against government, documents often play an important part in
proving the commission of the crime.
4. Proof of the fact that a document was altered or made by a particular individual may show that:
a. He committed the crime.
b. He had knowledge of the crime.
c. He was present in a certain locality at a specified time.
B. PURPOSE - A document may be examined to know the following:
a. Identity of the author.
b. True contents of the document.
c. Origin of the instrument or paper used in making the document.
d. Alterations or erasures which have been made.
e. Authenticity of the document.

THE LOGICAL PROGRESS OF INQUIRY IN DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

A. FIRST - ASCERTAIN THE FACTS: to select "QUESTIONED", "DENIED" or "ADMITTED",
"AUTHENTIC", and "DOUBTFUL" documents.
1. Concerning the Document in Questioned.
a. Is only one signature in questioned?
 b. Is any part of the document in question?
c. Is the date of the document in questioned?
d. Is the paper or the typewriter used in the document in questioned? Etc.
2. Regarding the Standards:
a. Make sure that there are sufficient numbers of authentic documents for comparison
submitted. If there are inadequate standards, obtain more.
b. Determine whether the standards are authentic ones, on which a foundation can be built for
admitting them in evidence.
B. SECOND - ANALYZE THE DETAILS: Synthesize the elements, date, circumstances, conditions,
technical problems and the like.
1. The examiner after ascertaining the facts, should have detailed information as to the
circumstances of the document in questioned, the condition of an alleged writer, or of any
condition that may have affected the writing or typewriting or any facts that are part of the
technical problem with the document that is submitted to the expert.
2. He should inquire about the circumstances and conditions as far as the client knows, such as; was
the document signed sitting on the wall, on the lap, or lying in bed? Sitting on bed, lying on his
back or side? For example, a document could have been signed in a moving automobile or while
having a drink at the bar.
C. THIRD - QUALIFY THE CASE:
1. How much time is needed for the examination?
2. Is it possible to complete the study from the original papers, or is it necessary to make special
photo-enlargements for proper examination?
3. If it is possible to make arrangements with the client for photo-enlargement, is it advisable to do
so?
4. Photo-enlargements are always useful for demonstrating the reasons on which the opinion is
based, especially in Court.