"Forensic Document Examination in the 21st Century covers the latest technology and techniques providing a complete resource on contemporary issues and methods in forensic document examination. Forensic document examiners provide their findings as expert testimony in court. Due to rapid changes in technology, including digital documents, printing and photocopying capabilities, and more, there is a great need for this up-to-date reference. The examination of documents can include comparison of handwriting or hand-printing; detection of alterations or photocopier and computer manipulation; restoration or decipherment of erased and obliterated writing; visualization of latent impressions; the identification of printing processes; and differentiation of inks. Computer-generated documents are prevalent, and electronically-captured signatures are becoming more widespread, meaning the knowledge of advances in technology and adoption of new validated techniques and methods of document examination are crucial to the reliability of forensic opinions. Forensic Document Examination in the 21st Century includes the latest research on the subject and with contributions from leading experts on their various areas of expertise. The book will be a welcome addition to the literature and support the foundational basis for methods and procedures for use it expert testimony in court, serving as a resource for forensic document examiners, trainees, and those in the criminal and legal communities who use the services of expert document examiners and witnesses"--

Forensic Document Examination in the 21st Century covers the latest technology and techniques providing a complete resource on contemporary issues and methods in forensic document examination. Forensic document examiners provide their findings as expert testimony in court. Due to rapid changes in technology, including digital documents, printing and photocopying capabilities, and more, there is a great need for this up-to-date reference. The examination of documents can include comparison of handwriting or hand-printing; detection of alterations or photocopier and computer manipulation; restoration or decipherment of erased and obliterated writing; visualization of latent impressions; the identification of printing processes; and differentiation of inks. Computer-generated documents are prevalent, and electronically-captured signatures are becoming more widespread, meaning the knowledge of advances in technology and adoption of new validated techniques and methods of document examination are crucial to the reliability of forensic opinions. Forensic Document Examination in the 21st Century includes the latest research on the subject and with contributions from leading experts on their various areas of expertise. The book will be a welcome addition to the literature and support the foundational basis for methods and procedures for use it expert testimony in court, serving as a resource for forensic document examiners, trainees, and those in the criminal and legal communities who use the services of expert document examiners and witnesses

This book introduces the reader to the basic principles of handwriting and the factors that affect their development. The book discusses the basic concept of the characteristics of writing that are compared when making an identification or elimination of a writer. In addition, readers will be able to recognize the signs of forgery and disguise and to distinguish between simulation and disguise.

Revised and expanded to reflect the most recent innovations in the field, The Scientific Examination of Documents, Fourth Edition is a handy, accessible volume detailing current best-practices for forensic document examination. Since the first edition published in 1989, there have been drastic changes in the field of forensic document examination—both from the use of the analytic techniques available to the professional examiner—and the changes to technology in office and printing equipment and inks. The purpose of analyzing any material used in the production of a questioned document, such as an ink or a piece of paper, is to compare it with another material elsewhere in the questioned document itself—or on another document—to determine whether or not they share a common origin. There may also be a need to provide information for the investigator about the possible origins of the document. This latest edition reflects the myriad changes and advances that have occurred in the last 10 to 15 years. Topics covered include: current thinking on handwriting interpretation; accidental and deliberate modification of handwriting; the proper collection of samples; a discussion of shredded documents; professional accreditation standards, qualifications, and training; and modern digital imaging and analysis of documents and handwriting utilizing software and imaging, including reconstruction of an image from erasures, obliteration and other document altering methods. A new section addresses cognitive bias and Chapter 8 is completely updated to cover the advances in print and photocopied documents, based on current technology, and analytical developments in the comparison of such documents. Key features: Discusses issues regarding handwritten, photocopied, and printed documents—including inkjet versus digital printing Presents the advances and capabilities modern office fax, photocopy, and printing technologies—and implications for document examination Details and reinforces the importance of ensuring proper scientific methods during an examination Addresses current Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS, mass spectroscopy, and SEM analysis techniques Highlights the importance, and implications, of biological and fingerprint evidence from documents that can be collected, examined, and utilized in a case The Scientific Examination of Documents, Fourth Edition serves as an invaluable resource to established professionals, those just entering the field, and legal and investigative professionals outside the discipline who have a professional interest dealing with questioned documents in the course of their work.

Forensic Document Examination enlightens forensic document examiners, forensic investigators, attorneys and others using the services of forensic document examiners with the basic principles and current trends in the area. Standards and methodologies apply now, which were non-existent 20 years ago. Instrumentation has moved beyond the microscope and the magnifying glass to digital cameras, digital microscopes, video spectral comparators, electrostatic detection devices for the development of indented writing on paper, scanners, and software programs like Write-On 2.0 and Photoshop. - Covers basic principles and methodologies used in forensic document examination - Contains state-of-the-art techniques and new trends - Includes research over the last ten years and describes the future direction of forensic document examination

"Forensic document examination is the study of physical evidence and physical evidence cannot lie. Only its interpretation can err. Only the failure to find it, or to hear its true testimony can deprive it of its value."—Roy Huber This is a comprehensive update of Huber and Headrick's seminal work on handwriting examination. New coverage includes a review of forensic handwriting examination research, handwriting analysis training and proficiency, revised methods and procedures, an updated listing and clarification of terminology and electronic signatures, the analysis of digitized handwriting, and other related technological advances. The book includes updated photographs, several added illustrations, and advances in techniques based on the scientific research conducted in the area over the last 20 years. Features of the new edition include: The latest on electronic signatures, digital handwriting, automated handwriting verification, and the many advances in technology and research over the last two decades An overview of the fundamentals of handwriting examination with updated discussion of the intrinsic and extrinsic variables associated with handwriting identification A review of the criticism of handwriting expert opinions and methodology, addressing both the strengths and scientific limitations of the area Fully revised while remaining true to the spirit and approach of original authors Roy Huber and A. M. Headrick Addition of nearly 200 new references and new glossary terms representing advances in research and methods. With extensive photographs to help clearly illustrate concepts, Huber and Headrick’s Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals, Second Edition serves as an invaluable reference to law libraries, practicing document examiners, forensic and criminal justice students, and every lawyer handling cases in which the authenticity of handwriting and documents might be disputed.

This second edition of Bates' I.S.Q.D. updates and expands the previous volume and continues to reflect the scientific method of detecting whether a writing is genuine or forged. This book serves as a guide and reference for the investigator or examiner in matters relating to the identification of handwriting. In and of itself, it is not intended in any way to qualify an individual as an expert, but is to be used as a tool with which to assist in the discovery and proof of fact. These are the two essential parts of handwriting comparison. Divided into three sections, the book presents the twelve points of comparison and the method of making a scientific analysis, a guide for presentation of facts in court, and a sample demonstration of the discovery and proof of fact. Once these points of comparison have been determined, the examiner has a basis from which to offer an opinion. This book can be used as a primary text in questioned document examinations, and will be an excellent resource for law enforcement agencies, including private and industrial investigative groups

Considered the forensic document examiner's bible, Scientific Examination of Questioned Documents is an authoritative and comprehensive reference that focuses on the pertinent advancements made within the field. This newest edition presents the qualifications necessary for a well-trained examiner and details the most up-to-date methodologies used i

The Most Dangerous Animal of All was co-written by the estranged son of California's infamous Zodiac killer to reveal his father's true identity. When the book hit the streets the skeptics were in full force. Just like those who mocked the boy who cried wolf, no one could blame them. Too many people had already claimed to either be the killer or to know who he really was. The problem is-the skeptics weren't considering the handwriting comparisons skillfully performed by Document Examiner, Michael Wakshull, to finally crack the case. The End of the Zodiac Mystery will enable you to reach your own conclusion whether this decades-long cold case has finally been solved. In it, Wakshull walks you step-by-step through his intriguing forensic analysis, revealing the methodology he used to solve the case other document examiners refused to accept. There is a twist to every story, and his methodology required a twist, too, in order to ensure a credible conclusion. Where The Most Dangerous Animal of All leaves off, The End of the Zodiac Mystery picks up, sharing actual handwriting comparisons between Earl Van Best Jr. and the self-named Zodiac killer. It is virtually certain the documents were written by the same man. If you like surprise endings, don't start reading from the back of the book. Save the thrill in the epilogue for the end!

Fraudulent identity and security documents are integral prerequisites for the smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons, terrorist mobility, to facilitate the smuggling of drugs, weapons and other goods, and to commit fraud. Fraudulent documents are the grease that eases cross-border crime of all types. They include fraudulently obtained, illegally issued, forged and counterfeit documents. Many countries in the world recognize that forensic document examination is vital to immigration and border control security and have a forensic document examination facility. Although the ability to detect and disseminate intelligence about fraudulent documents is vital to border security, there are still countries lacking this capacity. Moreover, there is a lack of awareness among relevant criminal justice practitioners of the benefits that forensic document examinations may provide to assist border control security and immigration facilities. The Guide aims to provide practical assistance for the establishment or upgrading of forensic document examination capacities in two categories of service providers: (a) immigration and border control agencies and (b) forensic science laboratories. Several levels of infrastructure development ranging from basic to advanced capacity are covered. The focus is on the staff skill and educational requirements needed to perform forensic document examinations and to provide court testimony, intelligence alerts and training.