Scientific Examination of Documents Methods and Techniques, Fourth Edition

<p>Revised and expanded to reflect the most recent innovations in the field, <b><i>The Scientific Examination of Documents, Fourth Edition</i> </b>is a handy, accessible volume detailing current best-practices for forensic document examination. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>Key features: </p><ul> <p> </p> <li>Discusses issues regarding handwritten, photocopied, and printed documents--including inkjet versus digital printing</li> <p> </p> <li>Presents the advances and capabilities modern office fax, photocopy, and printing technologies--and implications for document examination</li> <p> </p> <li>Details and reinforces the importance of ensuring proper scientific methods during an examination </li> <p> </p> <li>Addresses current Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS, mass spectroscopy, and SEM analysis techniques</li> <p> </p> <li>Highlights the importance, and implications, of biological and fingerprint evidence from documents that can be collected, examined, and utilized in a case</li> </ul><p>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.</p>