Scientific Crime Investigation Questioned Document Elmond O.

Monteron MSCRIM Student Introduction DOCUMENT - Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible, partially visible that may present or ultimately convey a meaning to someone, maybe in the form of pencil, ink writing, typewriting, or printing on paper. - may includes; deeds, agreements, title, letters, receipts, and other objects contents writing/markings used to prove a fact. Kinds of Document PUBLIC DOCUMENT - notarized by a notary public or competent public official with solemnities required by law.(Cacnio vs. Baens, 5 Phil. 742) OFFICIAL DOCUMENT - issued by the government or its agents or its officers having the authority to do so and the offices, which in accordance with their creation, they are authorized to issue and be issued in the performance of their duties. PRIVATE DOCUMENT -executed by a private person without the intervention of a notary public or of any person legally authorized, by which documents, some disposition or agreement is proved, evidenced or set forth (US vs Orera, 11 Phil. 596). COMMERCIAL DOCUMENT - executed in accordance with the Code of Commerce or any Mercantile Law, containing disposition of commercial rights or obligations. When a Document/s become Questioned? 1. When there are issues has been raised with regards to its authenticity, source, authorship and genuineness of document/s. Make an effort to contact the author of document/s. Find the original document/s. 2. If the document/s is place under scrutiny or doubt with regards to its content. Application of scientific investigation.

Questioned Documents Any object that contains handwritten or typewritten/printed markings whose source or authenticity is in doubt is considered a question document. May includes writings or markings found on walls, windows, doors, or in other places. Wherein those writing/markings were subjected for inquiry. Refers to any documents with or without signatures, handwritten documents, typewritten documents, printed documents or other marks or symbols whose content, source or authenticity, and authorship is placed under scrutiny or doubt. These includes: Letters, Checks, Drivers license, Contracts, Wills, Passports, Lottery, tickets and Other Documents.

What is Document Examination? Generally, it is a comparison of questioned handwriting with known handwriting to determine the writers identity. But today, It also includes the examination of forgeries, typewriting, inks, paper, indented and eradicated writing, rubber stamp impressions, charred paper and examination of documents under reviewed.

Forensic Document Examination The practice of the application of document examination to the purposes of the law.

Who is a Document Examiner? One who studies scientifically the details and elements of documents in order to identify their source or to discover other facts concerning therein. Document examiners are often referred to as handwriting identification experts, but today the work has outgrown (to grow too large) this latter title and involves other problems than merely the examination of handwriting.

Forensic Document Examiner Refers to a person who study all aspects of a document to determine its authenticity, origin, handwriting, photocopies, inks, papers and etc. To study and investigate documents in order to determine the facts about their preparation and history. Provides assistance to the court in interpreting related to questioned documents.

Related Fields Historical Datingthe verification of age and value of a document or object. Fraud Investigationfocuses on the money trail and criminal intent. Paper and Ink Specialistsdate, type, source, and/or catalogue various types of paper, watermarks, ink, printing/copy/fax machines, and computer cartridges. Forgery Specialistsanalyze altered, obliterated, changed, or doctored documents and photos.

Typewriting Analystsdetermine origin, make, and models. Computer Crime Investigatorsinvestigate cybercrime.

What are those Various Aspects of Questioned document Examination? Examination of Handwriting o This includes the examination signatures and hand printing for purposes of determining their genuineness or source and authorship. Miscellaneous Aspect o Includes such as detection of alteration, decipherment of erased writing, restoration of obliterated writing, determination of age of documents, identification of stamps, seal and other authenticating devices, and currency bills.

Processes in Scientific Method of Examination Analysis Phase o The properties or characteristics of documents are observed, measured and determined thru its; Age of Document, Paper and ink characteristics, Materials used in their production, Typewriting machine used, Other characteristics or properties of documents. Comparison Phase o Properties or characteristics of the unknown items determined thru analysis are compared with familiar or recorded properties of known items. Evaluation Phase o Properties or characteristics of documents that have certain value for identification are correctly interpreted and conclusion has been made if whether or not the documents are genuine or fake. Instruments and Apparatus needed in Questioned Document Examination Magnifying Glass Bank personnel and other people involved in currency examinations usually use and ordinary hand-lens; The maximum diameter of which is four inches, and this appears big with its wide frame it has a magnifying power of two times the original only. Magnifying lenses of five times or more magnifying power, with built-in-lighting are more useful. Shadowgraph Machine Used to formed pictorial image by casting a shadow, usually of the hands, upon a rightful surface or screen.

 Stereoscopic Binocular microscope Used to formed tri dimensional (3D) image of object. Measuring Test Plates Used to measures signatures and typewriting's. Table Lamps with Adjustable Shades Used for controlled illumination; needed in sidelight examination wherein light is placed at a low-angle in a position oblique to plane or document. Transmitted light Gadget A device where light comes from beneath or behind glass on document is placed. ULTRA VIOLET LAMP This is usually used in the detection of counterfeited bills but can actually be used to detect security features of qualified documents. INFRARED VIEWER Primarily used to decipher writings in a charred document. COMPARISON MICROSCOPE Used to compare the unknown documents with the standard documents Techniques used in Document Examination Multi-spectral imaging techniques Use a combination of a camera, specialized light sources and filters that cover the visible, ultraviolet and near-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Specialized Lights in electromagnetic spectrum can detect indented impressions and mechanical erasures or distinguish printing processes. Examination in near infrared (NIR) allows for differentiation of inks and recognition of alterations (e.g. wet stamps, signatures, etc.) as well as chemical erasures. Security features can be analyzed using transmitted, UV, visible, or infrared light both with and without magnification. Advanced security features such as holographic overlays, optical variable inks and security fibers embedded in the paper may be detected using magnification and a combination of specific light sources and filters in electromagnetic spectrum.

 Electrostatic Detection Systems An electrostatic detection device, or EDD, is a specialized piece of equipment commonly used in questioned document examination to reveal indentations or impressions in paper which may otherwise go unnoticed. Used to visualize indented impressions on paper or other substrates. Indentations occur when a writing instrument, typewriter, or impact printer transfers impressions from the surface of the paper to the substrate below. It is a non-destructive technique (will not damage the evidence in question) thus allowing further tests to be carried out. It is a sensitive technique capable of detecting indentations on pages several layers below the top sheet, and many years after the indentations were created. Photography An important aspect of document examinations is the need to carefully document all items received for examination and all relevant observations that are made. Also useful in reports and as demonstrative evidence in court. Help capture details to support and demonstrate the handwriting, printing and security characteristics observed. Can be used to capture small details of a document including characteristics of security features, paper and printing processes. Stereomicroscopy o Stereo or stereoscopic or dissecting microscope is an optical microscope variant designed for low magnification observation of a sample. o With combination of various lighting options, fine details on a document can be observed (e.g. micro printing, security fibers, and printing anomalies) o Can present the advantage of a 3D image of an object. o Examination includes printing processes, inks, watermarks, paper, handwriting and security features. Comparison Microscopy o A comparison microscope is a device used to analyze side-by-side specimens. It consists of two microscopes connected by an optical bridge, which results in a split view window enabling two separate objects to be viewed simultaneously. o Useful when examining typewritten documents (e.g. defects and non-printed areas) superimposing images such as watermarks and security features.

 Thin-layer Chromatography o Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is one of the simplest and oldest forms chromatography that uses a solid stationary phase and a liquid mobile phase. o It is easy to use, low cost (minimal materials required) and portable types techniques. o It is employed to compare questioned inks against known ink standards found writing instruments and to determine if the same inks were possibly used preparation of two or more documents.

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High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) o Is a separation technique used frequently to separate, identify and quantify compounds based on their idiosyncratic polarities. o In document examination, it is used to analyze dyes in writing inks and inkjet inks. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) o Is a separation technique that combines the features of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample. o Gas chromatography (GC), is a common type of chromatography used for separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition. o Testing the purity of a particular substance, or separating the different components of a mixture (the relative amounts of such components can also be determined). o Components of a document (Ink, Paper, Toner) can be separated. o Used to examined photocopy toners and inkjet inks. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) o This is a powerful technique for the comparison and identification of toners. o Toner - It refers to a powder or solution used in laser printers and photocopiers to form the printed text and images on the paper. Raman Spectroscopy o This technique used for identification and comparison of writing inks and inkjets inks. X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) o This technique is useful in the forensic examination of paper. Scanning Electron Microscope Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) o This technique is useful for forensic examination of paper and pencil marks .

Questioned Document Examination in the Philippines National Bureau of Investigation-Questioned Document Division PNP Crime Laboratory Group- Questioned Document Division Capabilities PNP Crime Laboratory Group Questioned Document Division Hand Writing Examination including hand lettering (such as anonymous letters, ransom notes and suicide notes) and signatures (such as those appearing in deeds of absolute sale, receipts, marriage contracts and land titles). Imprint Examination including those produced by manual devices (rubber stamps, dater stamps and some cancellation stamps), mechanical devices (typewriters, computer printers, time clocks and cash registers), also includes those produced by the manufacture of counterfeits (currencies, negotiable instruments, travel documents, licenses and various personnel credentials and identification documents. Writing Media Examination including instruments, inks and paper. Dating Examination including absolute determinations (e.g. date of introduction of products) and relative determinations (e.g. erasures and alterations) changes insertions and substitutions. Examination of falsification and alterations including removals (e.g. erasures or alterations) changes insertion and substitutions. Examination of invisible faded and obscured writings and impressions of writings. Examination of preternatural paper characteristics including tears, fasteners (e.g. paper clips and staples) cuts and perforations. Miscellaneous Examination including envelope tampering, adhesives, laminations, typist characteristics and linguistics. Conclusion In view of the foregoing literature being reviewed, the following are conclusions; An Effective Document Examiner must equipped with knowledge on physical science, chemical analysis, and awareness on electronic processes/new technologies concerning identity, security features and examination of documents. Our system of Questioned Document identification in the Philippines will become more capable, effective and credible if the government agencies concerned like PNP and NBI will develop an Automated Questioned Identification System like questioned identification document data base, and Automated Counterfeiting Identification data base of US Service Secret and FBI which is very useful for fastest and reliable identification of questioned document and counterfeited products. Recommendation The PNP and NBI should develop an Automated Questioned Document Identification System to address a fastest solution of all questioned document related cases and for benefit of Filipino people nationwide.

References: BOOKS Alvarez, M.G., PCI, PhD, Forensic Examination of Questioned Documents 2013. Gonzales, J.A., Forensic Questioned Documents Examination 2008 UNODC United Nation Office of Drugs and Crime Vienna, guide for the development of forensic document examination capacity, United Nation, New York, 2010. Review Notes Angeles University Foundation, Criminology Review Center: Notes in Questioned Documents. Internet Website www.wikipedia.com pnp.gov.ph/crimlab