Page 15 - An Inky Lead Questioned Documents

purportedly created at the same time, this could be Forensic document examiners usually have a
forensically important. The analysis of inks can also bachelor of science degree in a science field and a
be performed chemically using chromatography. specialized apprenticeship. A background in science
Since this method is destructive, it is only done trains the examiner to approach the work objectively
when nondestructive means do not work and there and provides the required background knowledge
is strong suspicion of tampering. in biology, physics, and chemistry, while the
apprenticeship broadens the examiner’s knowledge
By carefully studying details in documents, a of paper manufacturing, ink, printing processes,
forensic document examiner may catch a forgery and handwriting. Several professional associations
or pinpoint the author of a ransom note. If they for document examiners offer proficiency tests to
can reduce the possibilities in an investigation by qualify experts, including the American Society of
excluding suspects and scenarios, they can also Questioned Document Examiners and Association of
eliminate false leads for investigators. Forensic Document Examiners.

ADDITIONAL READING

Huber r.A. & Headrick A.M. (1999). Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals. Boca
Raton: CRC Press.

Kelly, J.S. (2006). Scientific Examination of Questioned Documents, 2nd Edition. Boca Raton:
CRC Press.

THE MYSTERY OF LYLE AND LOUISE 15