Question 1

Documents such as fraudulent checks, counterfeit currency, ransom notes, bank robbery notes, suicide notes, contested wills, forged contracts, and fake passports are all examples of different types of evidence that may be collected at a crime scene and submitted to the Forensic Odontologist.

Accepted Answer

Forensic Odontologists specialize in analyzing dental records and identifying human remains through dental records, so they would not typically be involved in the analysis of non-dental evidence such as counterfeit currency, ransom notes, or fake passports. This type of evidence would instead be analyzed by document examiners, handwriting analysts, or other specialists.

Question 2

Handwriting offers the investigator the ability to determine the identity of an individual. Handwriting characteristics are of two types: __________________ and ______________.

Accepted Answer

Handwriting characteristics are categorized into style, which refers to the general way of writing, and personal, which refers to the unique traits of an individual's handwriting.

Question 3

_______________ characteristics are the general type to which cursive writing belongs. This general type is learned in school and used by most people. Personal characteristics are changes made in the general _______________ characteristics both intentionally and unconsciously by the writer. (The answer is the same for both blank lines above)

Accepted Answer

Cursive writing is a style of writing, which belongs to a general type or category of writing styles. Personal characteristics refer to the individual variations in the style adopted by a writer, which are influenced by factors such as handwriting habits, personal preferences, writing speed, etc. Therefore, the answer to both blank lines is "Style".

Question 4

Which of the following factors are used to make a determination of forgery or whether the same person wrote both samples?

Accepted Answer

All three factors (relative size, slope and spacing, and way in which it is formed) are commonly used by forensic document examiners to determine forgery or whether the same person wrote both samples.

Question 5

Writings for examination can occur from sources such as checks, receipts, tablets, walls, furniture, doors and dead bodies.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Writings for examination, such as handwriting analysis or fingerprint analysis, can come from a variety of sources including those listed.

Question 6

When collecting and packaging dry, or chemically treated, documents it is best to use _________________.

Accepted Answer

A plastic bag or sheet protector is the best choice as it will provide a barrier against moisture and dust, protecting the documents from damage. Cardboard boxes may also work, but they can absorb moisture and potentially cause damage to the documents. Clean paint cans and electrostatic bags are not suitable for storing sensitive documents.

Question 7

When collecting and packaging documents with wet blood it is best to dry the item and use _________________ to transport it to the lab.

Accepted Answer

Cardboard boxes are preferred for transporting dried blood samples because they allow the sample to continue to breathe, reducing the risk of mold or bacterial growth that could compromise the sample integrity. Plastic bags, on the other hand, can trap moisture and promote degradation.

Question 8

_______________ examination can be used to answer two questions: (1) Was a signature or document a forgery? (2) Were two writings made by the same person?

Accepted Answer

Handwriting examination can be used to determine if a signature or document is a forgery and if two writings were made by the same person through the analysis of various characteristics such as letter formations, spacing, and pressure. The other options (print, typeset, copier) would not provide the necessary information for these questions.

Question 9

You are at the scene of a fire and recognize a burned folded piece of dry paper believed to be a threatening letter from the suspect to the homeowners. What is the best action to take to preserve and collect the item?

Accepted Answer

The best action is to photograph the document as it was found, place it in a plastic bag or sheet protector and transport it to the lab. Opening the document may damage evidence and alter the contents. Placing it in a clean paint can can also damage the evidence and contaminate it with other substances. Choosing a plastic bag or sheet protector will preserve the document and prevent any additional damage.

Question 10

Documents should be handled ____________ so as not to leave prints or DNA that may confuse subsequent tests.

Accepted Answer

Handling documents with forceps is recommended to avoid leaving prints or DNA that could interfere with forensic analysis. This method minimizes direct contact and preserves the integrity of potential evidence.

Question 11

When collecting documents, they should be folded and placed in an envelope. If it is damaged or torn, you should repair it and write your initials on the document with a unique identifier.

Accepted Answer

Documents, especially important or official ones, should not be altered or repaired by individuals collecting them, as this can compromise their integrity and authenticity.

Question 12

Prior to processing a document for fingerprints, it should first be ________________ with a document scale present.

Accepted Answer

Prior to processing a document for fingerprints, it should first be photographed with a document scale present. This is necessary to ensure that the document is properly documented and any fingerprints lifted can be accurately placed in relation to the document. Packaging, transporting to evidence unit, and scanning can come later in the process.

Question 13

The purpose of exemplars is to give the examiner of the document in question an unknown specimen of the victim's handwriting, thus providing a source of the writer's individual writing habits and personal style characteristics.

Accepted Answer

Exemplars are known samples of handwriting provided for comparison with questioned documents, not unknown specimens. They are used to identify the writer's unique characteristics and habits.

Question 14

In order for a document examiner to determine if a document is a forgery it is essential that _____________________ are obtained for comparison.

Accepted Answer

In order to determine if a document is a forgery, an examiner must compare it to known writings from the suspected author, also known as exemplar writings. Without exemplars, it may be difficult to determine if the questioned document is a forgery or not. FBI cards and additional questioned documents may also be helpful in analysis, but they are not essential for determining if a document is a forgery.

Question 15

If burned paper is found in a metal file box, it _____________ be removed from the box; rather, it ___________ be transported in the container in which it was found.

Accepted Answer

Burned paper may contain hazardous chemicals or substances, which can become airborne during transportation and pose a health risk. Therefore, it is important not to remove the burned paper from the box but to transport it in the container in which it was found to prevent any potential harm.

Question 16

You respond to the scene of a crime in which writing was on the body of a deceased victim. What is the best way to record the writing evidence?

Accepted Answer

The best way to record the writing evidence on the body of a deceased victim is through photography with scale. This method allows for accurate documentation and preservation of the evidence, while also providing a visual reference for future analysis and comparisons. Skin graphs and scans may not accurately capture the writing, and electrostatic lifters are typically used for capturing shoe or tire impressions.

Question 17

There are two general types of handwriting exemplars: ________ and ________.

Accepted Answer

Informal and formal exemplars refer to the two general types of handwriting samples. Informal exemplars are those written without the writer being aware that they will be used for comparison (e.g., letters, diaries), while formal exemplars are specifically created for the purpose of comparison, often under supervised conditions.

Question 18

This device can provide forensic document examiners an extensive toolbox for detecting irregularities on altered and counterfeit documents. Detection of alterations include: watermarks, different inks, tampering, photo-substitution, and others.

Accepted Answer

The Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is a specialized device used by forensic document examiners to compare and analyze documents, particularly for detecting alterations and counterfeits. The VSC uses different wavelengths of light to reveal features such as watermarks, fibers, inks, and other materials that are not visible under normal light. This technology allows examiners to identify the source of inks used, detect pen lifts, check for photo-substitution, and examine the document's integrity as a whole. Therefore, the VSC is the best choice for detecting irregularities on altered and counterfeit documents.

Question 19

This group focuses on standards and guidelines related to the forensic analysis, comparison, and evaluation of documents.

Accepted Answer

The OSAC Forensic Document Examination Subcommittee focuses specifically on standards and guidelines related to forensic document examination. SWGSTAIN is a group focused on the development of forensic science standards in general, not specific to document examination. PCAST and NAS both provide broader guidance on forensic science issues, but do not focus specifically on document examination.

Question 20

The written and spoken language may be characteristics of an individual. The use of words, syntax, spelling, and grammar may assist which forensic investigator in establishing identity?

Accepted Answer

Forensic Linguistics is the field of study that examines language and communication to solve crimes or establish identity. The use of words, syntax, spelling, and grammar in both written and spoken language can provide valuable evidence in a criminal investigation.

Quiz 13: Document Evidence