PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network

Physical Evidence Manual
Adopted: May 2002
Revisions: 6
Last Revision: January 31, 2008
19.0 QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
A document is defined as anything upon which a mark is made for the purpose of
conveying a message. Many seemingly insignificant documents involved in
criminal investigations may offer conclusive proof of certain facts.
The following information can be determined from documents:
• Identification of handwriting or hand printing as the product from a certain
individual.
• Determination of whether a specific typewriter was used in preparing a
specific document.
• Determination of whether a particular document was prepared
continuously or if certain portions were added later.
• Determination of whether two pieces of paper were at one time a single
piece.
• Decipherment of erased, obliterated, altered, charred, or water soaked
documents.
• Decipherment of indented writing.
• Determination of whether different inks were used to complete different
parts of a document.
Submission of Questioned Document Evidence
The following are general guidelines when submitting questioned document
evidence to the laboratory:
• Whenever possible, submit the original document(s). Send copies if the
original(s) are not available.
• Document examinations should be performed prior to processing the
evidence for latent fingerprints.
• Clearly identify on the Forensic Services Request (Form 49) which items
are exemplars and which items are questioned.
• Call the Forensic Document Unit at 971-673-8230 for instructions
regarding typewriter or other problems.
Collection of Exemplars
Never show the questioned document to the person while obtaining an exemplar.
If you are unable to obtain exemplars, or the exemplars are incomplete, submit
what you have because conclusions may still be possible. Always identify, sign,
and date the exemplars legibly to maintain a proper chain of custody. The writer
should use black ink; use different color ink for your notations.
19-1