SUBJECT FORENSIC SCIENCE

Paper No. and Title PAPER No.8: Questioned Document

MODULE No.32: Tools used in Questioned Document
Module No. and Title
Analysis
Module Tag FSC_P8_M32

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.8: Questioned Document

MODULE No. 32: Tools used in Questioned Document
Analysis
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Learning Outcomes
2. Introduction
3. Preliminary Examination of Documents
3.1 Basic measuring tools
3.2 Magnification (magnifiers/ microscopes)
3.3 Light Sources
3.4 Special Instruments
3.5 Photography
3.6 Computer
4. Summary

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.8: Questioned Document

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 1. Learning Outcomes

After studying this module, you shall be able to know about-

 Documents that are attacked on various grounds

 Types of Tools and appliances that are used for Document analysis

2. Introduction

Document is a piece of written, printed or electronic matter which provides some

information or evidence or that serves as an official record. It can also be defined as a
record (something) in written, photographic, or other form. Examples of document are
legal paper, official paper, certificate, deed, form, report, chronicle, register, log,
catalogue, archive, etc.

Questioned Document is a document whose authenticity or genuineness is in question.

Documents are attacked on many grounds and for a range of reasons, but the greater part
of questioned papers/ documents are incorporated in the subsequent classes:

(1) Documents with questioned signatures.

(2) Documents containing suspected fraudulent alterations.
(3) Holograph documents questioned or doubtful.
(4) Documents suspected on the issue of their age or date.
(5) Documents suspected on the issue of materials used in their production.
(6) Documents investigated on the question of typewriting:

2. (a) Ascertaining the source of document.

3. (b) Determining the date of document

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 4.
5. (7) Documents or writings investigated because they identify some person
through handwriting:
6.
7. (a) Anonymous and disputed letters.
8. (b) Superscriptions, registrations and miscellaneous writings.

The most important purpose of questioned document examination is to make available

evidence about a suspicious or questionable document by means of a variety
of scientific processes and methods. Different types of tools and appliances are used for
the purpose of questioned document examination such as magnifiers or microscopes,
electrostatic detection apparatus, video spectral comparator.

3. Preliminary Examination of Documents

4.
The most significant tool of a document examiner is his or her vision. In addition to this
tool, the outer tools which facilitate the examiner to see, evaluate and record more than is
evident to the unaided eye. The microscope is the instrument that makes it possible to see
physical evidence on documents which would otherwise remain invisible and useless.
The normal unaided human eye can differentiate only 250 separate lines to the inch. This
means that the small details which involve proportions or separations of less than 1/250th
of an inch are not seen by the eye, and sees them as a connected, solid mass. These tools
can be grouped into six categories:
5. 1. Basic measuring tools
6. 2. Magnification (magnifiers/ microscopes)
7. 3. Light Sources
8. 4. Special Instruments
9. 5. Photography
10.6. Computer

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 11.

3.1 Basic Measuring Tools

Basic measuring tools comprises metric rulers, calipers for fine measurements and an
assortment of glass alignment plates which allow comparison and measurement of angles,
height, width and spacing of handwriting and typewriting.

A tool for both measurement and magnification is a graticule/ reticle which is a magnifier
eyepiece containing an imprinted measurement scale which allows the examiner to
precisely measure what is viewed under the microscope.

Figure 1: Graticule/ reticle Magnifier

In alleged traced forgeries it often becomes necessary to investigate the question of

identity in size, proportions and position of the various parts of an alleged model
signature and of one or more traced imitations. Particularly as component of the initial
investigation in such a case, or for final use for illustrating testimony, it is very important
to make definite measurements of the various parts to be compared in order to show
certain exact identities which may in combination be very strong evidence of forgery.

For all such surface measurements finely graduated glass rules are best; with them more
accurate measurements are made because the graduations are brought into real contact
with the parts to be measured as cannot be done with the ordinary opaque rule.

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MODULE No. 32: Tools used in Questioned Document
Analysis
 A convenient and accurate form of this kind of measure is a four inch rule graduated in
8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths of an inch. This arrangement permits measurement from
any point up to four inches into the finely graduated field and for numerous purposes is
more convenient than a scale marked throughout with the finest graduations. With such a
scale it is possible for any on glass graduated in256ths of inch. One with average eyesight
to measure accurately up to its finest graduations and the great advantage of a glass rule
over an ordinary measure can only be appreciated by actual evaluation of the two.

This measure is very useful in typewriting inquiries or any investigation in which it

becomes essential to show actual but minute differences or similarities. The scale can be
placed over the letter or part under investigation and photographed in enlarged form.

For somewhat longer measurements which are occasionally necessary there is a steel
ruler which is graduated in fourths of an inch except that at one end a fourth inch space is
graduated in hundredths of an inch. This design makes it possible to measure from any
graduation up to six inches into the finely graduated space, as with the glass rule. By the
use of needle pointed parallel dividers very precise measurements are made with this
scale and for some purposes it is very helpful.

3.2 Magnification- Magnifiers / Microscopes

Document examiners use an extensive variety of magnification equipment.
1. Handheld magnifiers enlarge the objects from 2 to 10 times (magnification
powers of 2X to 10X) and also have lighting abilities as well to make brighter the
field of view.
2. To see facts more closely, there are several types of microscopes.
3. A binocular, or stereo, microscope is easy to use because, like the name implies,
there are 2 eyepieces and the viewer focuses with both eyes. In addition, a
microscope has a third viewing tube that allows a still or video camera to be
attached for "through the microscope" photography or videography. Digital
microscopes combine optics for enlargement with digital capture technology to
permit the user to view the magnified image on the monitor in its place or in
addition to viewing it through the microscope eyepieces.

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 Figure 2: Magnifying glass Figure 3: Linen tester

Figure 4: Stereomicroscope

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 Figure 5: Compound Microscope Figure 6: Comparison Microscope

It might look as if that the more powerful the microscope in terms of magnification, the
better, but for the job of handwriting examination, this is not the case. Most handwriting
examination is done at powers of 10X to 50X (the subject is enlarged 10 to 50 times).
When enlargement is higher, the field of vision is so narrow that the object viewed loses
relevance. It is an excellent idea to start with a low power first for examining a segment
of a document and then to zoom in closer to the area we want to examine.

Ordinary hand magnifiers, or simple microscopes, as adjuncts of the compound

microscope are often of great assistance and should always be at hand in a court inquiry,
by their use the compound microscope can be dispensed within many investigations.

A series of glasses varying in power from two to twenty diameters, will give valuable
assistance in nearly every inquiry.

Glasses mounted on a fixed stand, by which means the focal distance is mechanically
provided for light on the object examined. When delicate color values are under
examination it is advantageous to use glasses in which the chromatic aberration has been
corrected.

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 Magnifiers of this class usually consist of two or more lenses mounted together and show
no prismatic or incorrect color effects even at the margins of the field; the more powerful
ones are made as small as of a one-fourth inch focus with a magnifying power of about
forty diameters, but it is very difficult for one without experience to use such a glass.

The ordinary tripod-stand glasses or the so-called Linen testers, of good quality, often
are very useful. When both hands are to be employed, or it is enviable to shut out side
light as in transmitted light examinations, a watchmaker's eyeglass or a photographer's
focusing glass can be used to advantage; but for general purposes the average observer
can use to best advantage a hand magnifier with a focus of about one inch. Accurate
measurements that can be proved to be precise are of vital importance in connection with
the investigation of certain phases of the subject of questioned documents. A great variety
of questions in some cases require that numerous kinds of measurements should be made
as a definite basis for certain conclusions; and to avoid possible error and to reinforce
testimony it is sought-after in all instances that measurements be completed so that they
can be reviewed and verified by judge, referee, or jury. In order that this may be possible
the most suitable instruments must be provided.

The primary purpose of any microscope is to form a magnified image of a small entity.
As the image is more greatly enlarged, the concern then becomes resolution; the
capability to see increasingly fine details as the magnification is increased. For most
observers, the ability to see fine details of an article of evidence at a suitable
magnification is sufficient.

Stereomicroscope is the simplest kind of microscope in terms of both assembly and

utilization. The stereomicroscope comprises of two compound microscopes that are allied
side-by-side at the accurate visual angle to provide a correct stereoscopic image. The
extended working distance (space between the specimen and objective lens), upright non-
reversed image along with large field of view make these the instruments of choice for
performing preliminary examinations of evidence. An added benefit which results from
the extended working distance and illumination by reflected light is that specimens
seldom require any sample preparation. The specimen is simply positioned under the
microscope and observed.

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 The useful magnification range of stereomicroscopes is typically between 2.5X and about
100X. Modern stereomicroscopes include a number of features which increase their
efficacy and simplicity of use. A preference of illuminators which provide brightfield and
darkfield reflected, fluorescence and transmitted light allow the microscopist to visualize
microscopic things and features that might or else appear invisible, and thus escape
detection. Both photographic and video cameras are attached to record images for
enclosure in a report, as a courtroom exhibit.

Its advantages are many, like –

(1) Stereoscopic vision is preferable in various problems concerning depth, such as where
an ink line crosses a fold in the paper. This instrument shows ridges and furrows also
minute indentations which cannot be seen with the ordinary microscope.

(2) It is simpler to use, having a tube to occupy each eye. This is mainly significant in
representing evidence to others not skilled in the use of the microscope.

(3) The broad area of vision is often a discrete benefit, in which a comparatively
substantial section of a document can be shown. A high degree of enlargement is
generally not required and is often undesirable.

(4) This instrument shows the image erect or upright, in its true position with respect to
the viewer, and not reversed or inverted as in the everyday microscope.

(5) Its construction provides an extended working distance between the objectives and the
object under observation, which is a distinct benefit in document examination. This lens-
to-object distance also permits wide latitude in the choice of an illuminator and in the
angle of incidence of the light thrown on the object.

(6) Its optical assembly permits a high eye point over the eyepieces, and eyeglasses
usually need not be removed.

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 (7) Because of the low magnifications used, with reflected light, no preparation of
objects, such as slicing or staining, is required; the object may be viewed as it is.

(8) Its design allows the microscope to be moved above the object rather than the object
moved under the microscope, and this feature significantly facilitates the examination of
the entire features of a document, also eliminating the danger of folding or rolling the
document to accommodate it on the stage.

The stereoscopic microscope is two compound microscopes mounted side- by-side in the
similar body converging toward the object, having a split optical system for each eye.
Both the eyes view the same field from different angles and stereoscopic vision thus
results. The convergence of the two optical systems is roughly the same as the normal
convergence of the eyes when reading or writing. Objective lenses are provided in
matched pairs, and frequently there are three pairs mounted jointly in either a rotating
nosepiece or drum or in a horizontal slide, which pairs may be positioned rapidly and
easily to provide varying objective magnifications with the same eyepieces.

Compound microscopes represent a significant step up in magnification, resolution and

difficulty of use from the stereomicroscope. Magnifications range from 2.5X to about
1300X with an analogous increase in resolving power. Most annotations with these
instruments in the forensic science laboratory are made with transmitted light which
places limitations on the specimens which are to be studied.

The polarizing microscope is possibly the most useful and resourceful instrument in the
hands of a trained and experienced forensic microscopist. Not only does it execute all the
duties of a normal brightfield microscope for the study of morphology, but it also permits
explanation and measurements in plane polarized light and between crossed polar.
Polarized light microscopy provides both qualitative and quantitative information which
is of value in observing, identifying and comparing microscopic particles, crystals and
fibers.

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 A type of microscope that is predominantly useful in document examination is the
comparison microscope. Two documents can be viewed side-by-side and the images can
be placed so that they appear to superimpose each other. By using a different color of
filter on every document, the examiner can then see a different color in those areas where
the two segments being compared overlay each other.

The comparison microscope is used to compare microscopic objects side by side.

Although the human eye can be very good at discriminating minute differences in color
and morphology, the brain has a more difficult time remembering and processing these
subtle differences. This difficulty is overcome by a comparison microscope in which the
images from two microscopes are seen side by side in a single field of view. Polarizing
and fluorescence equipment may add to a comparison microscope which is to be used for
comparisons thereby to enhance its capabilities.

3.3 Light Sources

Light sources include transmitted light, infra-red light also long and short wave
ultraviolet light. Transmitted light is simply light from the back of a document. This is
most excellent provided by a light box which has a color corrected fluorescent type light
bulb. The document can be laid upon the box and the light from the rear of the document
makes it possible to see details not otherwise visible.

3.4 Special Instruments

UV and IR lights are used to make a distinction between inks and papers, and to reveal
obliterated materials. Photography using specific films and filters can be done in
conjunction with these special lights to reveal and record information. These techniques
do not always lead to answers, but they are the best initial approach because they are non-
destructive methods.

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 3.5 Photography Equipment

The significant use of photography in document examination is for recording and

presenting evidence. A critical element of the job of the document examiner is to present
evidence to the parties involved in a document dispute. The examiner must be talented to
state and clarify his or her opinion. The best service is given when the examiner goes the
final step of illustrating testimony with visual evidence. Photo equipment expected to
include a 35mm SLR camera, digital camera, copy stand, filters, extension tubes, lenses,
and other items.

3.6 Computer Equipment

The last group, computer equipment is a new and diverse category. Beyond doubt the
computer is an indispensable aid to anyone who writes reports, runs a business, and
handles finances. But in document examination there is a lot more to do with a computer.
A whole new area of potential document fraud has developed around the computer.

Just as the examiner one time had to switch from the study of handwriting to learn about
a new machine, the typewriter, now he must gain knowledge of the computer and the
output devices that are associated with it. The computer is not just a cause of problem for
the document examiner; it also helps in making attractive and informative exhibits. It is
as well a tool in doing examinations and presenting evidence. For example, scanning in
documents and cautious use of image processing software offers the potential to
discriminate between inks and reveal obscured writing.

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 4. Summary

 Questioned Document is a document whose authenticity or genuineness is in

question.
 The most important purpose of questioned document examination is to make
available evidence about a suspicious or questionable document by means of a
variety of scientific processes and methods.
 Different types of tools and appliances are used for the purpose of questioned
document examination such as magnifiers or microscopes, electrostatic detection
apparatus, video spectral comparator.
 The most significant tool of a document examiner is his or her vision
 The microscope is the instrument that makes it possible to see physical evidence
on documents which would otherwise remain invisible and useless.

 The tools that are used for document analysis can be grouped as follows:

o Basic measuring tools,

o Magnification (magnifiers/ microscopes),
o Light Sources,
o Special Instruments,
o Photography,
o Computer.

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.8: Questioned Document

MODULE No. 32: Tools used in Questioned Document
Analysis