Document Analysis Flashcards
What is document analysis also known as?
Questioned documents
What is the aim of most techniques for document analysis?
Avoid damage or alteration to documents
What are possible good light sources that can be used?
Good daylight
Lamps
Microscopy (5 x 40)
What other equipment may be used?
Low power stereomicroscopy
Infrared, UV- shows alteration of inks
ESDA (Electrostatic detection analysis)
What are oblique light sources useful for?
Looking at document from different angles
What are methods of recording visual results?
Photograph, photocopy
In document analysis what is examined?
Individuals Signatures Document origin & history- when and how document produced Document dating- authenticity Alteration, deletions, additions Counterfeit documents
What can be used to identify of individuals?
Fingerprinting
DNA profiling
Handwriting
What do you look for in handwriting?
Construction of character forms
Natural variation- variation in writing from a few days ago to present
Comparison material
Other variations- writing tool, unusual circumstances writing on e.g. rough surfaces
Non-Roman script- e.g. Arabic or Chinese going to English
What are the three basic types of handwriting in the UK?
- Block
- Cursive
- Script
What are signatures?
Most frequently used handwriting Unconsciously produced Genuine/forged signatures Cannot use photocopies Looking at strokes, direction of strokes, letters, dotted I’s etc.
What are the types of forgery?
Tracing Freehand simulation Authorship of simulation Self-forgery Vulnerable signatures Guided hand signatures- forced to write signature Comparison material Conclusions Look for- shaky, unnatural similarity
What are the limitation of photocopies?
Loose fine detail that you get from original document
What are drum marks?
These are things like dust, debris, with those might be able to identify specific machine
What is a use of photocopies?
Lots of documents, link several document, can like photocopies to a particular photocopier
What are the types of printing and typewriting?
Word processors Laser printers Ink-jet printers Dot matric printers Typewriters Any particular defects transferred onto document
What are printer characteristics?
Any sort of changes/ difference
What can examination of ink show?
Usually non-destructive comparative analysis
Infrared spectroscopy
Fluorescence
Raman Spectroscopy
Thin layer chromatography/ high performance chromatography
What is the con of chemical analysis?
Destructive
What can you look at to analyse paper?
Size Thickness- Can age paper depending on materials within them Density Colour Finish Biological fibres Watermark
How can you look at deep impressions on paper?
With light
What is ESDA (Electronic detection 1979) used for?
Two documents stored together, indentation thin enough transfer of writing
How do folds and creases demonstrate history?
Tears matched/mechanical fit
What do staples and punch holes produce?
Staples-psychical damage
Punch holes- irreplaceable changes
What is changed in documents that are forged?
Erasing documents a document- move around
Obliterated
Addition ink entries
Backdated information
