Scope and Limitations of Document Examination
2. Decipherment of Erased Writings
1. The identification of handwriting, signatures,
typewriting and printed matter.
2. Distinguishing forgery from genuineness.
3. Analyzing inks, papers and other substances
that are combined into documents.
4. The detection of addition and substitution on a
document.
5. The restoration or decipherment of erased and
obliterated writing.
Note- majority of the work undertaken by a
document examiner is the handwriting and signature
identification. Document examination on the early years
was called as handwriting experts.
Principles of Identification
The identification of handwriting is based on
the proposition that “people are alike; people are all
different. All handwritings are alike. If these were not
so, we would not be able to read another person’s
handwriting. All handwriting is different; if these were
not so, we would not be able to identify handwriting of
close relatives and friends in whom we correspond.
Similarities and Dissimilarities
Any two writings in the same language and
specially those based on the same writing system,
naturally have similarities. When closely examined, two
writings by the same person show some natural and
inevitable variation in letter form, which must be
weighed, measured, noted, and accounted by the
expert.
Class and Individual Characteristics Differentiated
1. Class Characteristics- those which are common
or present to a number of writers which could
have resulted from different influences such as
education, family background, attitude in
writing, the style of writing known by the writer
and the likes.
2. Individual Characteristics- these are those
which are found only to a few numbers of
writers or even those personal and highly
peculiar characteristics found in the writing.
Miscellaneous Document Problem
1. Detection of Alteration
Alteration- refers to any form of changes either
an addition or a deletion to the original content of the
document which is not a part of its original preparation.
Erasure – refers to removal of a writings or any
part of a document either by mechanical or
chemical process.
Mechanical Erasure – done by means of
abrasive method through rubbing or scrapping.
Chemical Erasure – done with the aid or use of
bleaching agent called ink eradicator.
Usually examined with the aid or fuming,
transmitted light, oblique light, and ultraviolet
light examination.
3. Decipherment of Obliterated writing
Obliteration – is the process of smearing over
an original writing to make it undecipherable or
illegible. Done with the used of superimposing
inks. Usually examined with the used of Infra-
red light.
4. Examination of Charred Document and water-
soaked document
Charred Document – refers to partly burned or
brittle document. Decipherment is usually
accomplished with the used of infra-red-light
examination.
5. Development of Invisible writing
Invisible writing – writing that has no readily
visible ink strokes. Made by Sympathetic inks
such as acids, juice, and others. They are
possible of development   depending on the ink
used. Methods of development can be by heat.
Water, chemical fuming or by ultra-violet light
process.
6. Decipherment of Contact writing
Contact writing – refers to partially visible ink
strokes cause by sudden contact between a
sheet of paper with another paper containing
fresh ink. Can be enhanced through fuming or
ultraviolet light process.
HANDWRITING – is a visible effect of bodily movement
which is an almost unconscious expression of fixed
muscular habits, reacting from fixed mental impression
of certain ideas associated with script form.
Kinds of Handwriting Movement
1. Finger movement- a manner of writing
executed by the thumb, index, and middle
fingers, which serve as pivotal points for
changing the direction of writing. It is
usually employed by children or illiterates
 and is basically a push-and-pull writing
movement. This is used by beginners.
2. Hand Movement- this entails the action of
the hand as a whole; the point of the pivot
is the wrist. This is step further from finger
movement although the span of writing is
still restricted. Freedom in writing long
strokes and continuity of motion is
restricted.
3. Forearm movement- this is produced by the
movement of both the hand and arm and
fingers, and the elbow serves as the pivotal.
The most skillful type of writing
4. Whole arm movement- this is the writing
which involves the motion of the whole arm
in writing and without rest. This is best
illustrated by writing in green board writing.
This is used for ornamental or large writing.
Classes of Handwriting
1. Cursive/running writing/joined-up writing – Writing
in which the letters are for the most part joined
together.
2. Hand lettering/printing/manuscript/block
letter/print writing – refers to writing characterized by
a disconnected style.
Natural Writing – a specimen of writing that is executed
normally and without any attempt of altering its usual
writing habits.
Disguised – a specimen of writing executed deliberately
with an attempt of changing its usual writing habits in
the hope of hiding one’s identity.
Guided/assisted – a specimen of writing executed while
the writer’s hand is at steadied. Usually employed by
beginners in writing.
Level of Skills in writing- this is the degree of the beauty
of one’s writing which may be classified as.
a. low level skills- this produces a product that
is hesitating, slowly executed, containing grotesque
(ugly) although repeated letter formations. It is not
pleasing to the eye.
b. High Level Skills- this is the writing, which is
rhythmic, fluid and perhaps artistically embellished and
pleasing to the eye.
Points to be noted in the classification of an
individual’s quality of writing
1. An individual cannot write better than his
“level best”.
2. Any writer can do a poorer handwriting
than his usual best writing without much
effort.
Forms and format- this is the pictorial representation of
a letter or writing instrument. This is also the first of the
individual characteristics that will receive the
documents examiners scrutiny, and this could be where
the examiner starts his examination.
Proportions- this is the general symmetry (balance) of
an individual letter. This could also refer to the
proportion of the upper and lower part of some letter as
that of capital letter B.
Height-ratios- this is the composition or comparison of
the of a letter to another or the segment (section) of
one letter to another.
Size- this is the measure of the handwriting based on
the height of a typical lower-cased letter like an “e” or
“a”. The height of such letter used in measuring stick is
referred to as “standard height”.
Writing Habits – refers to any repeated elements of
once handwriting which serves as an identifying
characteristic.
Significant Writing Habits – elements of one’s writing
that are sufficiently unique and well-fixed to serve as a
strong basis of individuality.
Slant - refers to the relative degree of writing inclination
relative to the baseline. Slope of writing.
Baseline - an imaginary or straight line in which the
writing rest.
Rhythm- this is the harmonious recurrence of stress or
impulse. This is also the quality of movement that
produces a natural result.
Handedness- this refers to the hand typically preferred
to write with. This may either the right or left hand
although there are those who uses both called as the
ambidextrous.
Writing Movement – refers to all factors relative to the
motion of the pen.
Line Quality – is the visible records in the written
strokes of the basic movements and manner of holding
instrument. It is derived from a combination of factors,
including writing skill, speed, rhythm, freedom of
movement, shading and pen emphasis.
Pressure/Shading- this is the changing of the width of
the line as pen pressure varies. This may indicate the
direction of writing.
Alignment to baseline- this is the relationship of the
writing to the baseline.
The “I” dots and “t” crossings-
ELEMENTS OF Forms of Writing
1. Arc – the rounded inner part of an upper curve, bend,
or crook,
2. Beard – is an introductory up and down strokes found
in some capital letters. This is also called as the
double hitch.
3. Blunt – is a part of a stroke characterized by an
abrupt beginning or end at which the pen does
not creates a diminishing stroke.
4. Buckle Knot - is a horizontal or loop strokes used to
complete letters A, H, F and D.
5. Central Part – is the body of the letter characterized
by small rounded or circular strokes.
6. Ductus-link, Ductur-broken - refers to the connection
between letters, either joined or disconnected.
7. Eyelet/ eye loop – refers to small oblong strokes.
8. Hitch – An introductory backward stroke found in
most capital letters and in some small letters.
9. Hiatus - an obvious gap between letters.
10. Humps – is the outer portion of an upper curve
bend or crook, (see arc)
11. Knob – is a tiny pool of an ink at the beginning or
ending strokes.
12. Loop – is an oblong stroke
13. Stem/shank/staff – is considered as the backbone
of the letter characterized by a long downward stroke
14. Initial/terminal Spur – a long running initial or
terminal strokes.
15. Through – refers to any garland form of a letter
strokes
16. Whirl – is the long upward strokes usually found
opposite the stem
17. Embellishments – added strokes that serves as an
ornamental or flourish to the design of the letters. They
considered unnecessary to the legibility of the writing.
18. Diacritics - strokes added to complete certain
letters. They are necessary to the legibility of the letters.
Handwriting Movement
- This is the way the writer moves the pen
and forms a letter. This involves all the
factors related to the execution of the
handwriting movement such as the tremor,
skill of the writer, speed. Freedom
hesitation and the likes.
Elements of Writing Movement
1. Pen pressure – is the average or usual
pressure applied in the writing.
2. Pen Emphasis – is the act of intermittently
forcing the pen against the paper surface with an
increase in speed.
3. Rhythm – is the harmonious or balance
recurrence of strokes or impulses.
4. Skills – refers to the degree of writer’s
proficiency in writing
5. Speed – cannot be measured precisely from
the finished handwriting but it can be interpreted in
broad term as to either fast, slow, or moderate.
Writing Speed - Classified into 4 Divisions
1. Slow and Drawn
2. Deliberate
3. Average
4. Rapid
6. Pen-lift – an interruption in strokes caused by sudden
removal of the writing instrument from the paper
surface.
7. Shading – refers to the more obvious increase in the
width of the letter strokes.
8. Pen Position – is the relative location of the pen in
relation to the paper surface.
9. Pen scope – represents the reach of the hand with
the wrist at rest.
10. Retracing or retraced – is the strokes which goes
back over another writing strokes that is slightly
to occur in other’s writing.
11. Retouching or patching – is a stroke, which goes
back over a defective portion of a writing to repair
or correct an error.
Disguised Handwriting
This is a handwriting wherein which the writer
deliberately alters, modify and or remove all or some of
his or her writing habits. This could be done but not
limited through the following.
1. Adjusting the slant of his writing.
2. Adjusting the size of his usual letter
writing.
3. Using all capital letters which he seldom
does.
4. Changing the usual alignment of wring
to the baseline.
Examination of Handwriting and Numerals
Kinds of Handwriting
1. Hand Printing- this is any disconnected style of
writing in which each letter is written separately.
Two forms
1. Capitals
2. Manuscript writing
2. Cursive- this is the connected style of writing.
Characteristics of Writing
Characteristics - refers to any property, marks
or elements which distinguishes. This Also referred to
as identifying details.
1. Class Characteristics
- Characteristics or properties which are
common, or which can be found in the specimen writing
of another person. Gross characteristics.
2. Individual Characteristics
- Characteristics which are highly personal or
peculiar that which is unlikely to occur in other’s
handwriting.
Factors affecting handwriting
1. Natural Variations – is the usual or normal deviation
found in a repeated specimen of an individual’s
handwriting or in the product of any typewriter.
2. Transitory Change – are meant to those changes
which only continue to exist while the basic cause of the
deterioration is still affecting the writer, once such
cause has been removed from the writer, the writing
will revert in its normal form.
3. Tremor – is the weakening of the strokes
characterized by wavering or shaky strokes.
a. Genuine Tremor
a.1. Weakness of sickness
a.2 Old age
a.3. Illiteracy (lack of skills)
b. Tremor of Fraud
4. Writing Conditions – refers to all factors affecting the
overall quality of writing such as the writer’s condition
under which the writing was prepared.
5. Writing instrument
❖ Ball point pen (John Loud) consisting of
a ball bearing at the point of the pen.
❖ Fountain pen (Lewis Watterman)
consisting of pen nib point.
❖ Fiber pen (originally designed by
Hongkong)
Signature – a name of person signed by himself on a
document as a sign of acknowledgement.
Model signature – A genuine signature which
was used in preparing simulated or traced forgery.
Evidential Signature – specimen signature
which was executed date, particular time, and place,
under a particular writer’s condition and for a particular
purpose.
Digital Signature = refers to an electronic
signature consisting of a transformation of an electronic
document or an electronic data message using an
asymmetric or public cryptosystem such as that a
person having the initial untransformed electric
document and the signer’s public key can accurately
determine.
Electronic Signature = refers to any distinctive
mark, characteristics and/or sound in electronic form,
representing the identity of a person attached to
electronic document or data message with intention of
authenticating, signing, or approving on it.
Classes of Signature
1. Formal or complete – used in signing very
important document
2. Informal or cursory – used for routine
document
3. Careless scribble – used for not so important
document such as delivery of mail or receipt of
purchase equipment etc.
      Kinds of Signature
      1. Formal Signature - signature used on official
documents such as will or deed of sale.
      2. Informal Signature - signature used in routine
correspondence such as personal letters and other
documents where you want the reader to recognize the
signature, but the exact spelling of the name isn’t
important.
      3. Stylistic Signature - signature used in signing
checks, credit card receipts, etc. This is also like the
famous “physician’s signature” on a prescription. It is
often highly stylistic and looks like a scribble with little
that would be recognizable as a signature.
Classification of Suspect Signatures
1. Forged signatures where on attempt has
been made to make a copy of the genuine
signature of the person purporting to sign
the document.
2. Forged “signature of fictitious persons”.
 3. Forged signatures which resemble the
genuine signature since they have been
produced by tracing process.
4. Forged signatures which resemble the
genuine signature, written free hand to
produce what is known as a “simulated
forgery”.
5. Genuine signatures which have been
obtained by trickery.
6. Genuine signatures which the writers are
honestly unwilling to accept as genuine.
7. Genuine signatures which have been
deliberately written illegibly or in an
unusual manner, to afford the signatories
some plausible grounds for disclaiming
them should they deem it expedient.
Forgery- committed by any person who, with intent to
defraud, signs the name of another person or of a
fictitious person, knowing that he has no authority to do
so, or falsely alters, forges or counterfeits any check,
draft, due bill for the payment or property; or
counterfeits or forge the seal or handwriting of another,
knowing the same to be fake, altered forged or
counterfeited, with intent to prejudice, damage or
defraud any person.
- Forgery may be produced under many
processes, ranging from the mere writing of
the name without an attempt to resemble
the genuine model signature to the more
complicated process of tracing or simulation
to produce a close resemblance or facsimile
of the genuine signature.
- is an act of falsifying or counterfeiting any
treasure or bank notes, paper bills or any
documents which are payable to the bearer.
- is an act of simulating or tracing
somebody’s signature without the latter’s
consent for profit.
Types of Forgery
1) Simple forgery – a forger’s signature where no
attempt has been made to make a copy or facsimile
of the genuine writing of a person purported to sign
the document. Also known as spurious signature.
2) Simulated or Copied forgery – a forged signature
which resembles the genuine signature written in
free-hand. Considered as the most skillful form of
forgery.
3) Traced Forgery – forged signature which closely
resembles the genuine made by some tracing
(drawing) process or outline form.
The Manner of Tracing
a) Tracing a carbon outline and then covering this
with a suitable ink stroke.
b) Tracing from an outline made by visible
transmitted light.
c) Tracing with sufficient pressure over the
authentic signature and tracing the depression
on the forged document.
d) Laser method – used of hologram.
Primary Signs of Forgery
1) Written at speed that is markedly slower than the
speed used for the genuine signature.
2) Frequent change of the grasp of the pen or pencil.
3) Blunt line endings and beginnings.
4) Poor line quality, with wavering and tremor of the
line.
5) Retracing and patching.
6) Stops in places where writing should be free.
Some feature of forged signature
1) Any forgery will, of necessity, exhibit a considerable
degree of similarity to the general run of genuine
signatures along the more obvious features of letter
design.
2) Some forgeries will resemble at least one genuine
signature in almost every detail. No two genuine
signatures in almost every detail. No two genuine
signatures of any length are replicas of each other.
3) If any of the signs of the forgery are present in a
disputed signature, then the probabilities may be in
favor of that signature being a forgery, particularly if
the genuine signatures show carelessness,
inattention to detail, freedom and speed, and
provided that, is such case that there are no
external influences present such as writing material
or ill health which could reasonably account for the
divergence in a disputed signature.
Note: the identity of the forger particularly as to gender
is not easy to establish.
Other Handwriting Characteristics
Proportions- this refers to the symmetry of an individual
letter. This could be illustrated by the relationship of the
different portion of the letter either thin or thickly done.
Height Ratios- this is the comparison or correlation of
the height of one letter or letter segment to another
letter in one word or signature.
Size- this refers to the usual measure of the handwriting
based on the height of a typical lower-cased letter such
as “a” or “e”. The height of such letters which can be
used as a measuring device is termed as “standard
height”.
Speed- this refers to the manner on which a particular
handwriting is executed which either fast or slow.
Characteristics of Fast writing
1. Smooth writing movements
2. Elongated and misplaced i dots and t
crossings
3. Words or initials are connected
4. There is a flattened appearance of the letters
Characteristics of Slow writing
1. Presence of hesitation, tremor, and more
angular writing.
2. The “i” dots and “t” crossings are in correct
position.
3. There is a sharp delineation between
separate pen movements.
4. Presence of blunt stops and starts.
5. Writing is made of individual letters and
legible.
6. The movements may be ornamental.
Entry-exit strokes- this may repeat themselves in similar
letter formations such as “U” and “V”. They could also
be in the form of a beginning or ending embellishment,
or a continuation from one letter to the next. This can
be habitual and therefore be considered as identifying
characteristics.
Roundedness-sharpness- the manner on which edged
and rounded letters are written by the writer can be
used as an identifying characteristic.
Spelling-Spacing- the misspelled written words and the
space between letters or the space of words from
another word can be an identifying characteristic of
handwriting.
Zones- the three zones in handwriting are the following.
1. Mid-zone- this is usually the beginning point
for most handwriting considerations. This is where
most activity in handwriting takes place in general and
where letters tend to start and end.
2. Upper-zone- this is where letters characters
reach up toward the upper part of the page such as
in capital letters and small letters like “d”, “b” and the
likes.
3. Lower- Zone- this is where the letter
characters reach toward the bottom edge of the
page such as in small letters “p”, “q”, “y” and
the likes.
Handwriting Characteristics Subject for Examination
1. Space between letters and words
2. The height, width, and size of letters.
3. Pen lifts and separations.
4. Unusual letter formations
5. The slant of letters
6. The baseline habits of writer.
7. Flourishes and embellishment.
8. The placement of diacritics such as the “I”
dots and “t” crossing
Other Characteristics of Forged Documents
1. Slowly written
2. Lack of individuality
3. Unnatural appearance
4. Unnatural starts and stops
5. Presence of careful corrections by the forger
6. Identical signatures
Principles of Handwriting Identification
1. No two persons can ever write alike.
2. It is not possible for a person to produce a
superior wring than his best, but it is possible for
him to write inferior to his own.
3. The numerical adequacy in writing standards
shall establish the range
4. Natural variations from an inherent part of an
individual’s handwriting, and its range is entirely
a personal attribute.
5. Degeneration of individual’s handwriting is
prone to affect all the handwriting characteristics
cumulatively and is not confined to a few of
them.
6. If properly scrutinized, a forgery maybe
treated as a mixture of two distinct writing
personalities, that is, the forger or the traits of
the model signature being forged.
What Sorts of Documents are examined?
Documents which are often the subject of
dispute in an investigation or litigation are those
business and personal affairs.
The Subjects of Document Examination
1. Exemplar- this is a handwriting sample that is
known to be genuine. However, the authenticity or
genuineness of such exemplar must be verified.
Standard- these are condensed and compact
set of authentic specimens that, if adequate and proper,
should contain a true cross section of the material from
a known source.
- This refers to writings or any documents
which origins are known and can be proven.
Classes of Standard
1. Procured or Collected Standards
- This is writings prepared in the normal
routine course of business or personal affairs.
- Non-request standards are quietly
simply writings which were indisputably prepared
by the accused as he had no reason to think
that they would be used for a handwriting
comparison.
2. Dictated or requested Standards
- These are the writings executed or
prepared in the presence of the examiner at his or
her request. However, such standards collected
shall resemble the surrounding circumstances on how
the questioned handwriting is executed.
Documents executed within two to
three years are most suitable. If ever such are not
available, documents dating further from the
questioned material can be used.
Dos and Don’ts in Collecting Exemplars
1. Don’t rely on too little writing.
2. Do obtain sufficient handwriting exemplars,
at least 20 to 25 signatures, or at least 4 to 5 pages of
handwriting or hand printing
3. Don’t rely exclusively on writing that differs
significantly from the questioned one.
4. Do collect similar samples as; hand printing
with hand printing and cursive with cursive.
5. Don’t rely on documents recently written if
the comparison documents were written many years
ago.
6. Do collect standards dated at approximately
the same time as the questioned handwriting.
7. Don’t compare handwriting under abnormal
conditions.
8. Do collect the documents that duplicate the
writing environment.
9. Do instruct the writer to obtain similar
exemplars for example printing all with capital letters.
How to take request writing?
This is done under the supervision off the police
investigator, document examiner and the legal counsel.
1. Use a questionnaire to validate circumstances
that could affect the writing.
2. Duplicate the writing conditions of the
questioned document.
3. Duplicate the writing instrument.
4. Duplicate the writing environment.
5. If the document is written under unusual
circumstances, these circumstances should be
duplicated.
6. Give specific instructions and make note of
the instructions given.
7. To prevent the writer from disguising his
exemplars, increase the speed of the dictation to
rush the writer.
8. Have the suspect write with both hands.
9. Date and sign all request writing with your
initials.
10. Additional request writing can be worded to
include words, expressions, letters, names and
combinations found in the questioned writing.
When in case it involves numbers have the subject
person writes his numbers from 1 to 100.
Cases in which no Exemplars are needed
1. In cases wherein identical signatures are
observed.
2. When the writer uses signature stamps and
autopens as a legitimate signature.
3. When other signs of forgery are observed.
Principles of Choosing Standard
1. The best standards for comparison are those
of the same general class as the questioned writing.
2. The established rule is that writings or
signatures to admit as standards must be proven to
be genuine.
3. The selection should comprise those writings
or signatures made under favorable conditions and
in a natural manner.
4. The standards for comparison should be the
signatures available and best suited.
Considerations in Choosing Standards
1. Adequate standard material.
2. Duplicates all the conditions under which the
questioned material was written.
3. Contains the same written words and
numerals of that of the questioned one.
4. Written approximately the same time with
the questioned one.
5. Uses the same writing implements such as
the type of paper.
6. Written in the same writing style
 7. Repeated often enough to reveal nearly all
the author’s normal variation in writing.
Considerations in Determining the Numbers of
Standards Required
1. Collect as many samples as possible
2. Have suitable undisputed samples than a
large quantity of little comparable value.
3. One signature is sufficient when all the
characteristics of handwriting match.
4. When proving that that an individual did not
write a questioned document it is necessary to obtain a
larger range of writing.
5. one hundred Signature might not enough.
Hoe ever the average would be 20 to 25
signatures and 4 to 5 pages of normal
handwriting and or hand printing preferably written in
different times.
6. More known documents are needed if the
writer has an oversimplified writing, while only few
signatures would be enough if the writer writes in a
complex manner.
Sources of Authentic Standards
1. Public Records
2. Bank Records
3. Identification cards
4. Signature on legal documents
5. Handwriting samples taken by a handwriting
expert in the presence of at least one witness or
taken in court.
Preserving of Evidential Handwriting
1. Specifically, do not fold, staple, perforate,
impress rubber, or metal stamps, or make marks
that will alter evidential handwriting.
2. Place small inconspicuous initials and dates in
areas of the document where they do not conflict
with the original writing.
3. Do not carry evidential documents carelessly
in your wallet, notebook, or briefcase.
4. Make certain that the handwriting is
photographed and scaled prior to the application of any
chemicals.
Comparison of Handwriting Characteristics
When the class and individual
characteristics have been identified, the second phase
of investigation is the comparison of
characteristics.
Objectives of Handwriting Comparison
1. To illustrate fairly the complete identifying
details of the author’s personal habit on hid
handwriting.
2. Comparison is the act of setting two or more
items side-by-side to weight the identifying details over
questioned handwriting standards.
Theoretical Handwriting Examination
1. Human beings never function with the
regularity of machines, which is why variation will be
characteristic of every specimen of handwriting.
2. That two specimens of handwriting written by
the same person can never be replicas.
Positive and Negative Evaluation Samples
After the identification and comparison of
handwriting this is followed by the final phase which is
the evaluation of number of similarities or differences.
Positive- when numbers of significant
similarities exist between the disputed and the
standard shows singularity of genuineness.
Negative- when the weight of divergent
characteristics that exist between the disputed writing
and the standard shows significant difference.
Instrument Used in A Questioned Document QD
Laboratory
      1. Stereo Microscope - The stereo or stereoscopic or
dissecting microscope is an optical microscope variant
designed for low magnification observation of a sample,
typically using light reflected from the surface of an
object rather than transmitted through it.
      2. Light Microscope - light microscope works like a
refracting telescope except that the object is very
close to the objective lens.
      3. Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) - is an apparatus
which can:
          a. Analyze and compare inks: reveal alterations
on a document;
     b. Visualize security features printed into
papers;
          c. Use the spectrometer and various built-in
light sources for U.V., visible spectrum and I.R.
examinations of ink and documents to visualize
fluorescence; examination with transmitted light or low
angle light, and recording/comparing differences in
reflectance, and absorption under variable wavelengths
 of light and with various filters which will discriminate
between different inks.
      4. Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) - is an
apparatus which can:
      a. Produce an evidential record of any
indentations (writing impressions) which are present
upon a page, resulting from previous pages of over-
writing in a writing pad, notebook, or upon a letter
placed inside an envelope which was then addressed.
      b. Visualize and record any other transmitted
impression, such as from a machine postal stamp
upon an envelope; or visualizes and record any paper
edge impressions of a page-portion that was torn from a
page within a note-pad, even if the page was removed
some time later.
Tools of Examination Document Examination
1. Microscopic Examination- examination which
uses microscope or the so-called stereoscopic
microscope with flow and high-power objectives which
is used to detect retouching, patching and unnatural
pen-lift in signature analysis
2. Transmitted light Examination- this type of
examination aims to determine the presence of
erasures and alterations, as well as match serration. The
document is viewed with the source of illumination
behind it and the light passing through the paper.
3. Oblique or Side Light Examination- this
procedure aids in the decipherment of faded
handwriting. This is the determination of outline forgery
and embossed impression. The illumination is controlled
that it gazes or strikes the surface of the document from
one side at very low angle.
4. Photographic Examination- this is essential in
document in document examination, particularly in
comparing the magnification of two specimens which
are recorded in the photograph.
5. Ultraviolet Examination- this examination is
performed in the dark room. The lamp is
warmed up to render maximum output of the
ultraviolet light. Exposure to ultraviolet light should
be kept to the minimum duration to avoid the fading of
writing ink and typewriter ribbon.
6. Infrared Examination- this employs invisible
radiation beyond the red portion of the visible spectrum
“rainbow”, which is usually recorded on specially
sensitized photographic emulsions.
Original Documents vs. Photocopies
Original documents, if possible, shall be made available
to the hands of the examiner.
1. Original documents are most suitable for examination
and comparison than photocopies. And often lend
themselves to more definitive options.
2. Documents in the form of facsimile and microfilm
reproduction, while occasionally useful as standards, may
be inadequate as questioned material.
3. Reproduction method often masks the very indicators
of spuriousness that the Questioned Document
Examiner is looking for.
4. If the examination is to determine the genuineness of
a photocopy (Xerox forgery), the photocopy itself is the
questioned document.
Forgery Examination
Forgery can be committed in two ways.
1. Forgery by addition
2. Forgery by deletion
The two methods of alteration
1. Abrasive Erasure- the most common and clumsy form
of erasure. This can be detected by observing the surface
of the paper whereas erased portions has a disturbed
surface and even decreases the thickness of the paper on
the abraded area.
2. Chemical- this is the erasure done by the application
of bleaching chemicals to erase writing characters. The
most likely undetected chemical erasure is the use of
iron base ink.
This can be detected using ultraviolet examination.
3. Other means of erasures
3.1. cutting- this is done by cutting away some portions
of the material and inserting with another to fill the gap.
3.2. Lift-off ribbon- an erasure using lift-off ribbon this
can be detected with the use of low angle or oblique
lighting revealing the indentations of the lifted off script.
Detection of Mechanical Erasure
1. Loosening or disturbance of paper fibers which creates
a feathering effect on the ink.
2. Thinning out of the affected area resulting to a
transparency.
3. Fibers appear as a grassy substance.
Interlineations Method
This is the insertion of a particular word, letter, number
or any element to a certain word, phrase, sentence and
so on and so forth.
Elements of Interlineations

1. The lack of uniformity of ink.
2. The work of more than one pen or typewriter.
3. Crowding
4. Uneven margins
5. Unusual spacing of modifying section, if type written
6. Evidence that the document has been removed and
reinserted in the same or another machine.
7. Indication of more than one typewriter ribbon or a
marked change in its condition if it is a fabric ribbon.
8. Evidence of the insertion of pages through study of the
paper and fastening devices.
9. Sharp variation in handwriting.
Examination of Obliterated Documents
Obliteration- this refers to the blotting out or smearing
over of writing to make the original writing become
invisible or undecipherable.
The purpose of examination is to determine if
the obliteration is the result of an honest mistake or is a
deliberate attempt to conceal information, in which in
case, it will be necessary to decipher and identify the
original entry that it was obliterated.
Miscellaneous Document Problem
1. Detection of Alteration
Alteration
- refers to any form of a changes either an addition or a
deletion to the original content of the document which is
not a part of its original preparation.
2. Decipherment of Erased Writings
Erasure – refers to removal of a writings or any part of a
document either by mechanical or chemical process.
Mechanical Erasure – done by means of abrasive
method through rubbing or scrapping.
Chemical Erasure – done with the aid or use of bleaching
agent called ink eradicator.
Usually this is examined with the aid or fuming,
transmitted light, oblique light, and ultra-violet light
examination.
3. Decipherment of Obliterated writing
Obliteration – is the process of smearing over an original
writing to make it undecipherable or illegible. Done with
the used of superimposing inks usually examined with
the used of Infra-red light.
4. Examination of Charred Document and water-soaked
document
Charred Document – refers to partly burned or brittle
document. Decipherment is usually accomplished with
the used of infra-red-light examination.
5. Development of Invisible writing
Invisible writing – writing that has no readily visible ink
strokes made by Sympathetic inks such as acids, juice,
and others. They are possible of development
depending on the ink used. Methods of development
can be by heat. Water, chemical fuming or by ultra-
violet light process.
6. Decipherment of Contact writing
Contact writing – refers to partially visible ink strokes
cause by sudden contact between sheets of paper with
another paper containing fresh ink. These can be
enhanced through fuming or ultraviolet light process.
7. Examination of Cross-Marks
Cross-marks are markings such as the “x” mark and other
similar markings used by other individual in signing or in
filling up documents such in electoral ballots. Cross-mark
indentions on one ballot from the mass markings of
other ballot are conclusive evidence of fraud which is
easily demonstrated.
8. Left-Handwriting
It is estimated that there are three to five
percent of mature writers normally writes with the left
hand. The question can the examiner detect left-handed
writing is yes and no. Certainly, no qualified examiner
would contend that he or she could invariably distinguish
right-handwriting from left-handwriting. However, there
are peculiarities of execution that the examiner
recognizes as usual characteristics of left-handwriting.
1. Most naturally left-handed writers cross their “t” from
right to left. They inject right to left movement in “i” dots
and punctuation markings in many instances.
2. The left-handed writers who write from above the
writing line may reveal contortions of movement in a
pattern of smudges or smears as his hand progresses
across the previously written page.
3. The natural hand-writer who resorts to his left hand
under abnormal writing conditions, such as injury or
deception, may adopt awkward counter-clockwise ovals
and circles as in “a”, “o”, “d”, “g”. Clumsy left hand may
uncertainly be apparent at the turns and upstrokes of the
upper and lower loop letters “b”, “f”, “g”, “h”, “j”, “k”
“p”, “q”, “v”, and “z”.
Types of Forgery
1. Check fraud
Forgery - making, altering, or falsifying a person’s
signature or any other aspect of a document with the
intent to deceive another
 * Counterfeit
* Alterations
2. Paper money
Counterfeit - When false documents or other items are
copied for the purpose of deception
Most common counterfeited items
Travelers’ checks Food stamps
Certain bonds Postage stamps
Currency Paper money
Coins
3. Identity
Social Security Driver’s license
4. Credit cards
Theft of card or number
5. Art—imitation with intent to deceive
• Microscopic examination
• Electromagnetic radiation
• Chemical analysis
6. Contracts—alterations of contracts, medical records
Examination of Typewriting
Definition of Terms:
1. Typeface – is the printing surface of the type of block
in a conventional typewriter. In electric typewriter it is
the printing surface of the rotating head sphere.
2. Typeface defect – any form of peculiarity of the type
printing caused by actual damage to the typeface metal
or which maybe an abnormality in its printing condition.
3. Characters – in connection to typewriting, it is used to
include letters, symbols, numerals, or points of
punctuation.
4. Pica typeface – type face impression ordinarily spaced
ten (10) characters to the horizontal inch.
5. Elite typeface – type face impression ordinarily spaced
twelve (12) characters to the horizontal inch.
6. Proportional spacing machine – a typewriter with a
type of letter spacing like the type spacing of
conventional printed in which all letters are allotted
horizontal in conformity with their relative widths.
7. Transitory Defects – is an identifying typewriter
characteristic which can be eliminated by simply cleaning
the machine or replacing the ribbon.
8. Permanent Defects – any identifying typewriting
characteristics of the type face which cannot be
corrected by simply cleaning the machine or replacing
the ribbon.
9. Mal alignment or alignment defects – refers to defect
in the printing condition of the type character in which
the letters are printed either at the top or bottom, left or
right of inclined from its proper position.
10. Carriage Return - referred to a mechanism or lever
on a typewriter. It was used after typing a line of text and
caused the assembly holding the paper (the carriage) to
return to the right so that the machine was ready to type
again on the left-hand side of the paper (assuming a left-
to-right language).
Techniques Used in Type Writing Identification
1. Measure the type face pitch
2. Verify the type size and design (W-G-T)
3. Look for individual type face defects
Typeface Defects
1. Vertical mal alignment – a character printing above or
below of its proper position.
2. Horizontal mal alignment – an alignment defect in
which the characters are printed to the left or right of its
proper position.
3. Twisted letters – letters and characters are designed
to be printed at a certain angle to the baseline. Once
letters lean to the left or right of its proper position such
is called twisted letters.
4. Off-its-feet – is a condition of the type face printing at
which then character outline is not equally printed, that
is the printing is heavier in one side than the remainder
of the outline of the character.
5. Rebound – typeface defect in which a character prints
a double impression with the lighter one slightly off-set
to the right or left.
8. Actual breakage – any peculiarity of typewriting
caused by actual damage to the type face metal.
9. Clogged type face (dirty) – is a typeface defects
characterized by dirty prints due to constant used
without cleaning of the type of bar or due to use of new
carbon. These are common in closed letter outline such
as o, a, p, g etc.
Types of Typewriters
   
1. Keyboard typewriter - is the simplest kind of
typewriter functioning from the QWERTY formation of
letters and having a type (a metallic cast with letters
molded into it) that's attached by a bar or rod.
2. Single-element typewriter - enable the user to print
data in different languages or fonts. Instead of using a
bar mold for the type (called a type of bar), single-
element typewriters use type wheels, type sleeves or
type shuttles for molds. The most popular single-element
was the Hammond type-shuttle typewriter produced in
1884.
3. Type-bar typewriters, as the name suggests, use type
bars, or molds of iron shaped like bars, for their types.
Type bars are the most common kind of typewriter and
the original invented by Sholes, Glidden and Soule was a
type-bar typewriter.
4. Index typewriters - were far less costly in the pre-
modern era, but also less useful. An index typewriter
required that users first input what key they would like,
and then perform another action (usually pressing a
lever) to print the letter to a page. Usually these didn't
use type bars, but instead type wheels, type shuttles,
type plates and even more novel types. Examples of the
index typewriter are the American Visible, first
manufactured in 1901, and the French Virotyp of 1914.
5. Teletype Typewriters - (Teleprinters) came on the
scene in the mid-1950s and peaked in popularity in the
1960s. They were used mostly for communicating
information from point
to point, much as modern fax machines are used. Most
non-IBM computers had teletype terminals. Teletypes
were completely mechanical and thus required regular
lubrication; they didn't have type bars in the strictest
sense and instead used plastic gears to print messages.
6. Electric Typewriters - The most modern typewriter,
still used today, is the electric typewriter, most notably
IBM models such as the Selectric. The electric typewriter
minimized the force necessary to print out a message by
using a motor and type ball to print letters on paper.
Know your Philippine Currency
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has the sole power
and authority to issue currency within the territory of the
Philippines. Every day, these issued currency notes and
coins continually circulate or change hands among the
public. The public generally accepts and/or passes them
on as legal tender, without full knowledge if the currency
is genuine. Those who fail to carefully examine the
money they receive are potential victims of counterfeit
currency.
This booklet is designed to help the public recognize
genuine Philippine currency and guard against
counterfeits.
STEPS IN RECOGNIZING GENUINE BSP NOTES
STUDY and FAMILIARIZE yourself with the characteristics,
designs, and distinct features of BSP banknotes by
following these steps:
PAPER
Feel the paper – The genuine note is printed on a special
kind of paper which is rough when you run your fingers
through it. It does not glow under the ultra-violet light.
During paper manufacture, the watermark, security
fibers, security threads and iridescent band are included.
WATERMARK
Examine the watermark on the unprinted portion of the
note
– The watermark is the silhouette of the portrait
appearing on the face of the note. Sharp details of the
light and shadow effect can be seen when the note is
viewed against the light. The contours of the features of
the silhouette can be felt by running the fingers over the
design on relatively new notes.
SECURITY FIBERS
Inspect the security fibers– Embedded red and blue
visible fibers are scattered at random on both surfaces of
a genuine note and can be readily picked off by means of
any pointed instrument
EMBEDDED SECURITY THREAD
View the embedded security thread – The embedded
security thread is a special thread vertically implanted off
center of the note during paper manufacture. This can
easily be seen when the note is viewed against the light.
It appears as a broken line for 5’s, 10’s and 20’s and
straight line for 50’s, 100’s, 200’s, 500’s and 1000’s.
WINDOWED SECURITY THREAD
View the windowed security thread on the improved
version of 100’s, 500’s and 1000-piso notes and the new
200-piso notes. –The windowed security thread is a
narrow security thread vertically located like “stitches” at
the face of the note with cleartext of the numerical value
in repeated sequence and changes in color from magenta
to green or green to magenta depending on the angle of
view.
IRIDESCENT BAND
Look for the iridescent band on the improved version of
100’s, 500’s and 1000-piso notes and the new 200-piso
notes – A wide glistening gold vertical stripe with the
numerical value printed in series.
PORTRAIT
Recognize the portrait – Appears life-like. The eyes
“sparkle”. Shadings are formed by the fine lines that give
the portrait a characteristic facial expression which is
extremely difficult to replicate.
SERIAL NUMBER
Check the serial number – Composed of 1 or 2 prefix
letters and 6 or 7 digits. The letters and numerals are
uniform in size and thickness, evenly spaced and well-
aligned, and glow under the ultraviolet light. A banknote
with six “0” digit serial number is a specimen note and
not
legal tender note.
BACKGROUND/LACEWORK DESIGN
Scan the background/lacework design– The background
designs are made up of multicolored and well-defined
lines. The lacework designs are composed of web-
crisscrossing lines which are continuous and traceable
even at the intersection.
VIGNETTE
Verify the vignette – The lines and dashes composing the
vignette are fine, distinct, and sharp; the varying color
tone gives a vivid look to the picture that makes it “stand
out” of the paper.
VALUE PANEL
Check the numerals found at the four corners of the
front and back of the note. The numerals denote the
denomination of the note.
off center of the face of the note that glows when
exposed to ultraviolet light.
MICROPRINTING
Verify under the lens the presence of the microprinting
on the denominations 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000–
Microprinting are the minute and finely printed words
“Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas” or “Central Bank of the
Philippines” located at the face or back of the note that
are clearly printed and readable
Microprinting - is one of many anti-counterfeiting
techniques used most often on currency and bank
checks, as well as various other items of value.
Microprinting involves printing very small text, usually
too small to read with the naked eye, onto the note or
item.

COLOR CONCEALED VALUE

Recognize predominant color of each denomination:
1000-piso Blue 50-piso Red
500-piso Yellow 20-piso Orange
200-piso Green 10-piso* Brown
100-piso Mauve 5-piso* Green
*The BSP has stopped printing these banknotes and are
being replaced by coins; however, the existing 10- and 5-
piso notes remain legal tender.
FLUORESCENT PRINTING
Look for the presence of the fluorescent print when
the note is exposed under the ultraviolet light– The
fluorescent print is the invisible numerical value located
Check the concealed value on the 500-piso denomination
–This concealed value is located at the lower left corner
of the face of the note and is recognizable when the note
is held at eye level.
OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK
Check the optically variable ink on the 1000-piso
denomination –It changes color from green to blue or
blue to green when the note is held at different angles

CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTES ISSUED BY THE BSP

One Hundred Thousand Peso Commemorative

Banknotes
Text
Obverse :  Cry of Pugadlawin, Philippine Obverse : "Ang Sigaw ng Himagsikan", "Ang
Centennial Commission Logo, salaping papel na ito ay bayarin
BSP Logo ng Bangko Sentral at
pananagutan ng Republika ng
Reverse :  Declaration of Independence Pilipinas", "Isandaang Libong
Piso", "Republika ng Pilipinas"
Width :  356mm
Reverse : "Pagpapahayag ng Kasarinlan ng
Height :  216mm Pilipinas Noong Hunyo 12,
1898", "Isandaang Libong Piso",
Pieces Issued :  1000 "Republika ng Pilipinas”
collector's item was sold at P180, 000. Today, it is worth
This banknote was issued during the Centennial many times more. It is recognized by the Guinness Book
of Philippine Independence in 1998. It is as large as a of world Records as the world's largest legal tender
legal-sized bond paper. Produced in Germany, the banknote.
banknote has 21 security features including a hologram,
making it very hard to counterfeit. On release, this CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTES

Two-Thousand Peso Commemorative Banknote
Obverse :  President Joseph Estrada being
sworn into office in front of the
Barasoain Church in Malolos,
Bulacan with his wife Loi
Estrada, scroll with the Malolos
Constitution, seal of the Central
Bank
Reverse: Re-enactment of the
proclamation of Philippine
Independence at the Aguinaldo
Shrine in Kawit, Cavite during
the Philippine Centennial
Celebration with President Fidel
Ramos and his wife Amelita
Ramos, Philippine Centennial
Commission logo
Length :  216mm
Width : 133mm
Composition :  20% abaca, 80% cotton fiber
Pieces Issued :  300,000
Text
Obverse :  "Ang panunumpa sa tungkulin
ni Pangulong Joseph E. Estrada
sa Simbahan ng Barasoain,
Malolos, Bulacan, noong ika-30
ngHunyo, 1998", "Simbahan ng
Barasoain, Lunduyan ng Unang
Demokratikong Republika sa
Asya", "Malolos Constitution
1898", "Republika ng Pilipinas",
"Dalawang Libong Piso", "Ang
salaping ito ay bayarin ng
Bangko Sentral at pananagutan
ng Republika ng Pilipinas"
Reverse : "Pagdiriwang ng Sentenaryo ng
Kalayaan sa Kawit, Cavite na
pinangunahan ni Pangulong
Fidel V. Ramos noong ika-12 ng
Hunyo, 1998", "Sentenaryo ng
Salapi", "Dalawang Libong Piso"
The security features of this banknote include a
3-dimensional cylinder mould-made portrait watermark
of the two presidents, and the years 1898-1998,
iridescent band, color-shift windowed security thread,
latent image, and perfect see-through register.
Coins
Casting - was one method used to produce
counterfeit coins in Britain and America during the
colonial period. Basically, it consisted of melting metal
and then pouring the molten liquid into a mold having a
reservoir in the shape of a coin.
Coin Clipping - shaving off a small portion of a
precious metal coin for profit.
Coin Mutilation - cutting a portion of a coin.
IF YOU SUSPECT A COUNTERFEIT NOTE
• Do not return it to the passer.
• Delay the passer by some excuse, if possible,
without risking harm.
• Observe and record the passer’s appearance
and that of his/her companion/s.
• Note the license plate number and make of
the passer’s car.
• Place the note in a protective envelope.
In case you get hold of a doubtful note, please
contact the Cash Department, Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas for assistance at: Currency Analysis and
Redemption Division Room 202, Multi-Storey Bldg., BSP
Complex Malate, Manila
Tel. Nos.: 524-7011 local 2296524-2777
Investigation Staff Room 302, Multi-Storey
Bldg., BSP Complex Malate, Manila Tel. Nos.: 524-7011
local 2388 or go to the nearest Bangko Sentral Regional
Office/Sub-Regional Office Unit at Angeles City, Bacolod
City, Batac-Ilocos Norte, Cabanatuan City, Cagayan De
Oro City, Cebu City, Cotabato City , Dagupan City, Davao
City , Dumaguete City , Iloilo City , Kalibo-Aklan, Legazpi
City, Lucena City , Naga City, San Fernando-La Union,
Tacloban City, Tuguegarao-Cagayan and Zamboanga
City.
PERTINENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO PROTECT
AND MAINTA IN THE INTEGRITY OF THE CURRENCY
1. Article 163, Revised Penal Code (RPC). Making and
importing and uttering (issuing or circulating) false
coins.
2. Article 166, Revised Penal Code (RPC). Forging
treasury or bank notes or other documents payable to
bearer; importing, and uttering (issuing or circulating)
such false or forged notes and documents.
3. Article 168, Revised Penal Code (RPC). Illegal
possession and use of false treasury or bank notes and
other instruments of credit.
4. Article 176, Revised Penal Code (RPC). Manufacturing
and possession of instruments or implements for
falsification.
5. PD 247–Defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning or
destruction of Central Bank (BSP) notes and coins.
6. Chapter II, Circular 61, Series of 1995.Reproduction
and/or use of facsimiles of legal tender Philippine
currency notes.
7. Chapter III, Circular 61, Series of 1995.Reproduction
and/or use of facsimiles of legal tender Philippine
currency coin