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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. What do I need to submit for an examination?
2. Why was my document examined when I did not request an examination?
3. Why did I not get the results that I expected?
4. Do you examine photocopies?
5. What if I have a question?

Answers

1. What do I need to submit for an examination?
   
   

   Whenever possible the original documents, questioned and known, should be submitted.

   Known samples must be comparable to the questioned material. Handwriting identification is a comparative process and the standards have to be the same type of writing as the questioned. If the questioned material is hand printed (disconnected letters), the known should be hand printed. If the questioned is handwritten (connected, cursive), the known should be handwritten. Also, the known material should contain the same letters and letter combinations as the questioned.

   The source of the known writing must be provable and it must be admissable in a court of law.

2. Why was my document examined when I did not request an examination?
   
   

   Many laboratory examinations can degrade or destroy document evidence. For example, the chemical processing for latent prints may cause the ink to run or to disappear completely. It also destroys any indented writings and may negatively affect other potential examinations. Incoming cases are screened for their potential for future Questioned Document examinations and those cases are routed to the Questioned Document Section. At a minimum the questioned documents are photographed and, if appropriate, some examinations may be conducted. Any tests or examinations that are conducted are non-destructive and will have absolutely no adverse effects on any subsequent examination for latent prints.

3. Why did I not get the results that I expected?
   
   

   The quality of quantity of the questioned material may be such that no conclusion can be rendered.

   There may be so little comparability between the known and the questioned that an examination can not be performed.

   Outside influences (drugs, illness, disguise, etc. ) may have affected the handwriting to the degree that no examination can be performed.

4. Do you examine photocopies?
   
   

   In a word, "YES". Original documents are always the best evidence but in some cases the original has been lost or destroyed and the only evidence is a photocopy. Also, many times the fact that a document is a copy and not an original is the evidential question.

5. What if I have a question?
   
   

   Call the laboratory that serves your area and talk to a Questioned Document Examiner.

View other Frequently Asked Questions.