“An Unusual Case Study of Disguised Signatures Executed Freely by Modifying Characters on Agreement of Sell”

Disguised writing is any deliberate attempt to alter one’s handwriting characteristics to prevent recognition. Disguised writings throw several problems for document examiners when dealing with various disputed documents. The handwriting characteristics are subdued in the subconscious mind of an individual thus, cannot be altered or disguised easily. The present write up is to unfold the journey of FDE, examining writings or signatures having wilful modification for the purpose of concealing his/her identity. In this case, a person attempts to disguise his signatures on agreement of sell with an intention of denying the signatures at a laterstage. Keywords: Disguised writing, handwriting characteristics, signatures, freely executed, modification etc.

The effect of photocopier types on line quality features of handwriting in multi-generational photocopies

The present research was aimed at finding out the relative effect of advancement in photocopier technology on the analysis of handwriting line quality features in multi-generational photocopies. Five subsequent multi-generational photocopies of 50 signature samples from different individuals which were produced by 75 black and white photocopiers were used for line quality assessments. Variations in line quality features in different photocopy generations, such as: smooth edges or ragged edges, broken or continuous stroke, fine tapering changes, and some identification details of features like pen lifts, retouching, and hesitation were carefully observed in sample photocopies, which were recorded according to the brand and model of photocopier machines, as well as their size and speed. The results of the study revealed that raggedness in line was often observed in third generation (G3) and higher generations, in samples produced by some low speed copiers (copying speed < 30 cpm) or very high speed copiers (copying speed ≤ 80 cpm). However, their line quality was still found to be good enough for handwriting analysis up to the fifth generation (G5) in photocopy samples produced by some medium speed copiers (copying speed 30 to 50 cpm). It was, however, observed that, usually, continuity of line and smoothness of line were appreciably lost in G3 and higher generations in photocopies which were produced by portable desktop printers. Exceptionally, certain artifacts that are usually found in some higher generation copies were conspicuously absent in all photocopy generations (G1–G5) which were produced by some advanced third generation photocopiers. Hopefully, the information obtained from the study will be found useful to document examiners when examining certain cases involving multi-generations of photocopier reproductions.

Forensic examination of effects of rheumatoid arthritis on handwriting characteristics

Background Rheumatoid arthritis is known to produce deformity of the joints and muscles which can affect the handwriting of an individual significantly. Examination of such handwriting specimens can become a challenging task for the document examiners. This can affect the accuracy of their opinions upon the related cases. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of rheumatoid arthritis on handwriting characteristics qualitatively and statistically. The study also included qualitative analysis and comparison of line quality defects of copied writings and writings affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Results Handwriting characteristics were analyzed qualitatively and statistically in old writings vs affected writings. All these handwriting characteristics were also analyzed qualitatively in copied writings vs affected writings. The results of the study showed significant deteriorating effects of rheumatoid arthritis on almost all handwriting characteristics, except for characteristics such as slant, retouching, and overwriting. The pictorial appearance of letters in the writings executed before and after the onset of illness was even observed to appear different altogether in case of some individuals with severely affected writings. Moreover, the analysis of copied writings indicated the execution of writing by a different person. Handwriting characteristics such as slant, spacing, and alignment were observed to show insignificance in analyzing differences between copied and genuine writings affected by the illness. Conclusion It has been concluded that rheumatoid arthritis causes deterioration of letters, tremor, disturbed rhythm, and a huge variation in other handwriting characteristics. The copied writings have also presented line quality defects like artificial tremor, hesitations, retouching, and unnatural pen lifts at all wrong places. The determination of these peculiarities may assist the document examiners in the differentiation of copied and affected writings.

Analiza SEM czarnego tonera na wydrukach. Część II

Eksperci w zakresie badań dokumentów są często proszeni o określenie, czy wydruk pochodzi z określonej drukarki laserowej. Drukarkę rzadko można zidentyfikować, chyba że na wydruku są widoczne jej unikalne wady lub nieprawidłowości. W artykule przedstawiono możliwości identyfikacji i weryfikacji tonerów na wydrukach uzyskanych z rożnych drukarek laserowych przy użyciu skaningowej mikroskopii elektronowej. W sumie 21 wydruków uzyskano z 21 rożnych modeli maszyn drukujących Brother i Konica Minolta. Szesnaście wydruków uzyskano z drukarek, w których były oryginalne kasety z tonerem, a pięć z drukarek z zamiennikami. Ustalono jasne kryteria oceny indywidualnej. Na podstawie zdjęć SEM oraz tych kryteriów ujawniono szczegóły topografii struktury tonera. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań określono różnice lub podobieństwa tonerów na badanych wydrukach. SEM analysis of black toner on printouts. Part II Document examiners are frequently asked to determine whether or not a printout originated from a particular laser printer. The printer can rarely be identified unless some unique defects or irregularities of the printing are present on the printout. This article presents an overview of a systematic approach to characterizing and discriminating the toner of different laser printers using scanning electron microscopy. A total of twenty-one collected printouts were printed on twenty-one different Brother and Konica Minolta printing machine models. Sixteen printouts were obtained using printers with original toner cartridges while five printouts were obtained using printers with compatible cartridges. Clear criteria were established for individual assessment. Based on the SEM images and established criteria the details of topography of the toner structure were revealed. Due to this study, the differences or similarities of toners on tested printouts were determined. The SEM technique can be successfully, simply, and rapidly applied to the analysis of toners on paper documents.

Prospects of International Harmonisation in the Sphere of Forensic Document Examination in Penal Proceedings

The paper concerns the problem of international harmonisation in the sphere of forensic document examination in penal proceedings. Progressive “internationalisation” of penal cases demands that some unified standards be found in terms of the instruments being used in penal proceedings. It also affects research performed by forensic document examiners. Various techniques of forensic document examination exist, as well as various views on the value of opinion of an expert witness, and differentiated legal regulations in respective countries. Also, methods concerning verification of the skills of experts in the field of forensic document examination are different in particular countries. Such a state of affairs provokes reflections on whether opinions formulated by expert witnesses from various countries might be considered as really equivalent. It seems that it is not exactly so, and it should be ascertained that such a situation is definitely negative. Thus, there arises the necessity of at least partial harmonisation of rules in this scope, at the international level. This paper is an attempt to answer the question of if opportunities for such harmonisation exist, and if so, in which fields of matters concerning forensic document examination it is possible.

Damaging Similarities in Highly Skilled Signature Simulations - Their Detection and Authorship

Questioned document examination is a highly specialized and challenging field of study, because of the variety and complexity of problems that are referred to document examiners. Detection and identification of practiced simulated forgeries is an area of forensic science which requires the professional skill, capability and acumen of an examiner, every time he (or she) is called upon to examine and report a case of this nature. This is because firstly, the practiced simulations bear a striking semblance to the copied model and usually contains the handwriting features of the writers, the real person as well as the forger, though in varying degrees.Secondly, the skilled forger rarely leaves his own imprint in the forgery he committed. Most authorities on the subject have advised that the identification of authorship, in such cases, may be considered as an exception rather than the rule. Besides discussing and reviewing the work done in this regard, the authors have also presented and illustrated an intricate case study where the authorship of simulated signatures could be associated with the known handwriting of the suspected forger

An Introduction to Gel Inks: History and Analysis

With the increasing use and variety of gel pens on the market, forensic document examiners may encounter problems identifying gel pens from other common pen types. This study discusses the initial findings of an investigation into the history, technology, and properties of gel pens. Microscopical (visual) and chemical methods were also evaluated as ways to characterize and identify gel inks. The results of the study demonstrate that the presence of a gel ink can often be determined, but that some gel inks resemble other types of pens, especially roller balls, upon visual examination. Further, chromatographic methods used to characterize traditional dye-based inks may be less useful with gel inks; for these, other spectrometric methods including Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) were evaluated and proved useful. Purchase Article - $10

The Frequency of Occurrence of Handwriting Performance Features Used to Predict Whether Questioned Signatures are Simulated

Forensic Document Examiners (FDEs) examine the physical morphology and performance attributes of a line trace when comparing questioned to specimen handwriting samples for the purpose of determining authorship. Along with spatial features, the elements of execution of the handwriting are thought to provide information as to whether or not a questioned sample is the product of a disguise or simulation process. Line features such as tremor, pen-lifts, blunt beginning and terminating strokes, indicators of relative speed, splicing and touch ups, are subjectively assessed and used in comparisons by FDEs and can contribute to the formation of an opinion as to the validity of a questioned sample of handwriting or signatures. In spite of the routine use of features such as these, there is little information available regarding the relative frequency of occurrence of these features in populations of disguised and simulated samples when compared to a large population of a single individual’s signature. This study describes a survey of the occurrence of these features in 46 disguised signatures, 620 simulated signatures (produced by 31 different amateur forgers) and 177 genuine signatures. It was found that the presence of splices and touch-ups were particularly good predictors of the simulation process and that all line quality parameters were potentially useful contributors in the determination of the authenticity of questioned signatures. Purchase Article - $10