Tools Used in Questioned Documents

TOOLS USED IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS

A document is a written, printed, or electronic piece of information that acts as an official record. It can also be defined as a written, photographic, or other kind of record. Documents include legal papers, official papers, certificate, deed, form, report, chronicle, register, log, and so on. A Questioned Document is one whose authenticity is called into question.

A typical Questioned Documents section in a crime lab is outfitted with microscopes, digital imaging equipment, infrared and ultraviolet light sources, video analysis tools, and specialized equipment such as electrostatic detection devices and analytical chemistry materials. Aside from his or her own vision, the microscope is the most significant instrument a document examiner possesses. It allows the examiner to see and record more than is visible to the naked eye.

These tools are classified into the following categories;

1. Basic measuring tools

Metric rulers, calippers for precision measurements, and a variety of glass alignment plates allow comparison and measurement of angles, height, width, and spacing of handwriting and typewriting. A graticule which is a magnifier eyepiece with an imprinted measurement scale that allows the examiner to precisely measure what is viewed under the microscope is a tool for both measurement and magnification.

2. Magnification

Document examiners employ a wide range of magnification devices.

Handheld magnifiers increase items by 2 to 10 times (magnification powers of 2X to 10X) and feature illumination capabilities to make the field of view brighter. There are various sorts of microscopes that can be used to examine information more closely. A binocular, or stereo, microscope is simple to use since it has two eyepieces and the user focuses with both eyes.

3. Light Sources

Transmitted light, infrared light, and long and short-wave ultraviolet light are all examples of light sources. Transmitted light is simply light that is emitted from the back of a document. This is most effectively delivered by a light box equipped with a color-corrected fluorescent light bulb. The document can be placed on the box, and the light from the back of the document allows you to view details that would otherwise be invisible.

4. Special Instruments

UV and infrared rays are used to distinguish between inks and papers and to disclose obliterated materials. To uncover and record information, photographers can use particular films and filters in conjunction with these special lights. These strategies do not always provide results but are the greatest first step because they are non-destructive.

5. Photography

Photography is used extensively in document examination for recording and presenting evidence. The presentation of evidence to the parties involved in a document dispute is a significant component of the document examiner's duty. The examiner must be able to express and clarify his or her point of view. When the examiner goes the extra step of presenting testimony with visual evidence, the service is at its best. A 35mm SLR camera, digital camera, copy stand, filters, extension tubes, lenses, and other items are expected.

6. Computer

Without a doubt, a computer is a necessary tool for everyone who produces reports, runs a business or manages funds. However, there is a lot more to perform with a computer in document evaluation. Around the computer, a whole new field of potential document fraud has emerged. Just as the examiner had to transition from studying handwriting to learning about a new machine, the typewriter, he now has to learn about the computer and the output devices that go with it. The computer is not just a source of confusion for the document examiner; it also aids in the creation of visually appealing and informative exhibitions.

Author:- Sumithara