Comprehensive Module on Questioned Documents
Introduction
Questioned Document Examination (QDE) is a forensic discipline focused on analyzing documents
suspected to be forged, altered, or disputed. It applies scientific methods to handwriting, signatures,
ink, paper, printing processes, and digital alterations.
Module Objectives
After completing this module, the learner should be able to:
- Understand the scope of QDE.
- Identify types of questioned documents and forgeries.
- Explain handwriting analysis principles.
- Handle and preserve document evidence properly.
- Recognize laboratory techniques used in document examination.
Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Questioned Document
Examination
1.1 Definition
A questioned document is any document whose authenticity, origin, or content is in dispute.
1.2 Purpose
- Identify authorship of handwriting or signatures.
- Detect alterations, erasures, additions.
- Identify ink, paper, and printing sources.
- Compare disputed documents with known standards.
1.3 Types of Questioned Documents
Forged signatures, altered contracts, fake certificates, anonymous letters, counterfeit currency, digital
manipulations, receipts, IDs, and more.
Chapter 2: Principles of Handwriting Examination
2.1 Assumptions
Handwriting is personal, shows natural variation, and is difficult to imitate perfectly.
2.2 Handwriting Characteristics
General: size, slant, spacing, pressure, alignment.
Individual: unique strokes, pen lifts, rhythm, loop formation.
Chapter 3: Types of Forgery
- Simple Forgery
- Simulated Forgery
- Traced Forgery (carbon, indentation, lightbox)
- Freehand Forgery
- Digital Forgery
Chapter 4: Document Alterations
Types include erasures (mechanical/chemical), additions, obliterations, and indented writing.
Chapter 5: Document Examination Techniques
Techniques include visual inspection, magnification, UV/IR light, VSC, ESDA, microscopy,
chromatography, and digital forensic tools.
Chapter 6: Known Standards and Comparison
Two types: requested standards and collected standards. Standards must match in wording, ink, and
form. Comparison involves analyzing class and individual characteristics.
Chapter 7: Handling and Preserving Document
Evidence
Use gloves, avoid folding, protect from light and moisture, store in envelopes, and maintain chain of
custody.
Chapter 8: Digital and Electronic Documents
Includes PDFs, scanned signatures, digital certificates. Methods include metadata analysis, layer
analysis, and detecting digital edits.
Chapter 9: Legal Aspects
QDE is used in fraud, property disputes, extortion, identity theft, and administrative cases. Examiners
may testify as expert witnesses.
Chapter 10: Quick Reference Checklist
Before: secure and photograph document.
During: check alterations and compare with standards.
After: document findings and secure storage.
Quiz: 20 Identification Items
1. Science examining disputed documents.
2. Unique individual writing habits.
3. Signature written without copying the original.
4. Device detecting indented writing.
5. Slow, careful imitation of genuine writing.
6. Technique using UV/IR light.
7. A document whose authenticity is questioned.
8. Scientific study of ink.
9. Removing writing using chemicals.
10. Samples used for comparison.
11. Method analyzing ink components.
12. Writing impressions on underlying sheets.
13. Machine detecting ink differences.
14. Initial examination before lab tests.
15. Alteration by covering original text.
16. Digital file metadata showing history.
17. Forensic analysis of printed documents.
18. Signature created by tracing.
19. Log documenting evidence handling.
20. Principle preventing contamination.