EXEMPLARS AND STANDARDS, CARE AND HANDLING QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS

Examining questioned documents requires meticulous attention to detail and proper

handling of exemplar materials. This presentation will explore the importance of exemplars, the
standards for their collection and storage, and best practices for ensuring the integrity of evidence.

STANDARD 1. Which of the following are known writings, which indicate how a person writes?

EXEMPLAR 2. Specimen of the writing of suspects are commonly known as?

SAMPLE 3. Which of the following are selected representative portion of the whole?

COLLECTED STANDARD 4. Which of the following are known genuine handwriting of an inividual
such as signature and endorsements on canceled checks, legal papers
letters, commercial, official, public and private document and their
handwriting such as letters, memoranda., etc?

REQUESTED STANDARD 5. Refers to signature or other handwrings written by an individual ipon

request for the purpose of comparison with other handwriting or for
specimen purposes.

STANDARD

They are known writings which indicate how a person writes.

A writer manifests fixed habits in his writings that identify him.

This fact provides the basis for an opinion of conclusion regarding any writing identification
problem.

SAMPLE

A selected representative portion of the whole.

EXEMPLAR

Specimen of the writing of suspects.

Standards is a general term referring to all authenticated writings of the suspects while
exemplars refers more especially to a specimens of standards writing offered in evidence or
obtained or request for comparison with the questioned writing.

STANDARDS OF COMPARISON

Standards and exemplars are legally admissible, authentic samples of handwriting used for
comparison with questioned writing to determine the authenticity or spuriousness of the
questioned writing.

They are also called known samples. Their genuineness must be clear and undisputed
(Koopenhaver, 2007).
TYPES OF HANDWRITING EXEMPLARS AND THEIR USES

1. Requested Samples

Handwriting samples obtained specifically for the case, often guided by the examiner. Are
signature or other handwritings written by an individual upon request for the purpose of
comparison with other handwriting or for specimen purposes.

2. Known Samples

Documents with known authorship, such as past signatures or writings, used for
comparison.

3. Collected Samples

Additional writings gathered from the subject, providing a broader range of exemplars.

Known as genuine handwriting of an individual such as signature and endorsements on

canceled checks, legal papers letters, commercial, official etc. written in the course of daily
life, both business and socials.

4. Post Litem Motam Exemplars

Writings produced by the subject after evidence writings have come into dispute and solely
for the purpose of establishing his contentions.

"Post litem motam" is Latin for "after a law suit is started." A litigant or witness may not
create evidence to prove one's case or testimony, as in voluntarily writing an exemplar to
prove one did not write a disputed handwriting.

LEGAL ASPECTS OF STANDARD WRITING

“If the standard used by the document examiner in an identification of writings on which the
document examiner bases his conclusion cannot be introduced, then the document examiner may
not be able to provide convincing demonstration or his testimony may be weakened.”

STANDARD WRITING WHICH IS ADMISSIBLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

1. STANDARD WRITING WITNESSED

A. The court accepts a sufficient proof that evidence in the form of contradicted testimony
of a competent eyewitness to the execution of writing is sufficient to permit the use of such
writings as standard to test other writings.

B. It is not necessary for the witness to actually have watched the pen of the writer as it
passed over the paper where it appeared that there was no other person present at the time
 but the writer and the witnesses, that the writing was done in the witness's presence and
that the writer then gave them the pen.

C. Included in this class of admissible standards are writings voluntary prepared by a party
in the absence/presence of an investigator.

2. STANDARDS WRITINGS ADMITTED

- If the party whom a handwriting standard is to be admitted, the genuineness of the

standards, the court could hold that further proof of genuineness is necessary.

3. RECORD MAINTAINED IN REGULAR COURSE IF BUSINESS AS STANDARD WRITINGS

- Generally, the context of records maintained in the regular course of business are
admissible as an exemption to the hearsay rule, as proof of their content.

4. GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS AS STANDARD WRITING

- Signatures of government officials on document treated as authentic and produced from

official archives may be admitted as evidence as standard of comparison.

5. ANCIENT WIRITINGS

- The courts have admitted writings on ancient as standards of comparison.

6. FAMILIARITY SOMETIMES ESTABLISHES STANDARD WRITINGS

- Testimony to the genuineness of a collection of standards of writings by witnesses who are

familiar with a person’s handwritings.

Advantages and Disadvantages of COLLECTED STANDARDS

Advantages Disadvantages
• Provides a broader range of handwriting • May contain samples that are not
variations. representative of the writer's usual style.
• Helps to establish the writer’s natural writing • Can be difficult to control the conditions under
habits. which the samples were collected.
• Can reveal inconsistencies or changes in writing • May be contaminated by other influences, such
style over time. as stress or fatigue.
• May uncover unique or distinctive features that • May not be readily available or accessible.
can aid in identification.

Advantages and Disadvantages of REQUESTED STANDARDS

 Advantages Disadvantages
Requested standards offer several advantages While requested standards have benefits, they
for document examiners: also have limitations:
• Controlled environment: Samples are • Potential for manipulation: The suspected
collected under controlled conditions, writer might try to alter their handwriting to
reducing the risk of inconsistencies or outside avoid detection.
influences.
• Specific relevance: Requested standards are • Limited scope: Requested standards may
tailored to the specific questioned document, not capture the full range of the writer's
ensuring they are directly comparable. natural variation.
• Enhanced reliability: With controlled • Cost and time: Obtaining requested
collection, examiners can be more confident in standards can be costly and time-consuming.
the authenticity and reliability of the
standards.

SUGGESTED PROCEDURE FOR TAKING REQUEST HANDWRITING STANDARDS IN ALL TYPES OF

QUESTIONED-DOCUMENT PROBLEMS

1. Have subject seated in a natural position at table or desk having smooth writing surface.

2. Furnish subject with paper and writing instrument similar to those used in questioned
writings, like; paper should be same size, and ruled or unruled; as questioned document: if
questioned document is in written furnish subject with pen and ink, etc.

3. Never permit the subject to see any writing on the questioned document.

4. Dictate material to be written (or printed, if questioned material is hand printed): give no
assistance in spelling or arrangement on page. Dictate at a rate of speed, which will produce
the subject natural writing habits.

5. Remove each specimen upon completion by subject number in consequence, date, time and
identify by initiating each, and request subjects to sign each specimen.

6. Observe all writing done by subjects and indicate any attempt of disguise, and whether
subjects appears to be normally right or left handed, etc.

SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR TAKING REQUEST HANDWRITING STANDARDS WHERE CHECKS FORGERY
IS CHANGED OR SUSPECTED

1. Furnish subjects with check blanks similar to the questioned check/s.

2. Dictate the entries to be made on specimen checks as follows:

a. Date - Same as shown on questioned check

b. Payee - - do –
c. Amount- - do –
d. Signature- - do –
e. Any other handwriting shown on questioned check

3. Give subjects to help or suggestions in completing specimen checks.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. The laboratory personnel should be informed of the age apparent health and physical
condition of the time standards are written.

2. Do not fold, staple or pin document: handle questioned documents with care.

3. Indicate in the sample handwriting the time, place, date signature of writer as well as
witness of the handwriting.

SOME SOURCES OF SIGNATURES WRITTEN IN THE COURSE OF DAILY AFFAIRS

1. Canceled Checks
2. Signature cards for saving, checking and charge accounts and safe deposit boxes.
3. Credit applications and cards
4. Signature on sales slips, on job orders slips, requisition slips and purchase slips.
5. Court records and affidavits, such as naturalization papers, bankruptcy proceedings, divorce
papers. Probated wills and estate files, powers of attorney, etc.
6. Passports, marriage application, license and affidavits.
7. Driver automobile chauffeur, and other types of licensee applications
8. Application for gas, electricity, water and telephone services
9. Loan application and receipts
10. Records from currency exchanges, check-cashing agencies and pawnshop
11. Time sheets, payroll, pay receipts and personal forms
12. Barangay registration, petitions
13. Signature for certain drug purchases, hotel registrations
14. Church, club and professional society record
15. Veteran records
16. Fingerprint records
17. School or University class records and cards
18. Application for firearm and licenses
19. Application for export and import and dollar allocations
20. ID Cards

HOW TO PREPARE AND COLLECT HANDWRITING STANDARDS?

Factors to Consider in the Selection of standards

1. THE AMOUNT OF STANDARD WRITTEN

2. SIMILARLY OF SUBJECT MATTER

If the questioned writings are hand printed, then get hand printed standard
or exemplar.

3. RELATIVE DATES
 Dates of the questioned and the standards writing standard signatures or
writing must be those written five (5) years before or five (5) years after the
date of the questioned signature or writing.

The importance of contemporaneous standards are:

1. Helps to determine or trace gradual changes on one’s handwriting or

signature.

2. Aids in tracing the development of any writing variation

4. CONDITION UNDER WHICH BOTH THE QUESTIONED AND THE STANDARD ARE
PREPARED

Look for standards prepared under comparable circumstances such as:

paper rested on the knee; standing; sitting; lying down; and/or while on
moving vehicle.

5. WRITING INSTRUMENT AND PAPER.

Same instrument used in the preparation of the questioned document must

be obtained in the standard

Handwriting/Signatures that are difficult to solve – some problems are complicated and harder to
solve that includes:

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL IN HANDWRITING

[Link] AND MENTAL – intoxication affects the physiological being of an individual hence, the
manner of handwriting is also affected.

[Link] OF ALCOHOLIC INTOXICATION IN HANDWIRITNG.

- bizarre letter forms

 - greatly enlarged writings

- illegible forms and writing generally

- uneven baseline

- meaningless blobs or extraneous strokes in writings

- inconsistency in slant of writing

- inconsistency in the form of repeated letters

OPINION EVIDENCE

• The court seem to be in general agreement that proof of the genuineness of a standard
cannot be established by the opinion of experts testifying from a comparison of the writing
sought to be used as standard with another writing.

GENUINENESS OF STANDARD DECIDED BY COURT

• The sufficiency of the proof of the genuineness of a standard of writing is a matter to be

decided by the court.

REVISED RULES ON EVIDENCE (RULE 128-134, ROC)

Section 48. General rule – the opinion of witness is not admissible, except as indicated in the
following sections.

Section 49. Opinion

OBTAINING SUITABLE STANDARDS OR EXEMPLARS

• Obtain exemplars from known sources. This includes handwriting samples from individuals with a
known history of writing, such as individuals who have previously been involved in legal proceedings,
or individuals who have provided samples for other purposes.

• Obtain exemplars from databases or other sources. This could include handwriting samples from
known criminals, individuals who have been identified as potential suspects, or individuals who have
been involved in disputes.

• Obtain exemplars from individuals directly. This could involve requesting a handwriting sample
from a suspect or witness in a case, or obtaining a sample from a person who is voluntarily providing
information.

• Obtain exemplars through the use of surveillance. This could involve obtaining a sample from a
person who is unknowingly being observed, or obtaining a sample through the use of a recording
device.
GUIDELINES FOR PRESERVING AND HANDLING QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS AND EXEMPLARS

Proper preservation and handling of questioned documents and exemplars are crucial for
maintaining their integrity and admissibility in legal proceedings. Here are some essential guidelines:

DON’T’S

1. Staple, pins or clips

2. Perforations
3. New folds
4. Marks
5. Label
6. Pointed objects
7. Glue
8. Erasures
9. Tracings
10. Cut or tear
11. Carry around
12. Let people handle/touch

STANDARDS FOR COLLECTING AND HANDLING EXEMPLARS

Consistency - Exemplars should be collected in a standardized manner to ensure comparability.

Documentation - Detailed records of the collection process and chain of custody must be
maintained.

Preservation - Exemplars must be properly stored to prevent contamination or damage.

Security - Access to exemplars should be restricted to authorized personnel only.

PROPER CARE AND STORAGE OF EXEMPLARS

Temperature - Maintain exemplars in a climate-controlled environment to prevent

degradation.

Humidity - Monitor and regulate humidity levels to ensure the preservation of exemplars.

Packaging - Use archival-quality materials to store and protect exemplars from physical
damage.

Labeling - Clearly identify and track each exemplar to maintain the chain of custody.
PNP FORENSIC UNIT SERVICES

IDENTIFICATION AND EXAMINATION OF TYPEWRITING, COMPUTERIZED DOCUMENTS AND OTHER

FORMS OF MODERN PRINTING

Understanding the unique characteristics and identification methods for various forms of
modern printing is crucial in the field of forensic document examination. This presentation will
explore the techniques used to analyze typewriting, computerized documents, and other printing
technologies.

TYPEWRITER

A writing machine with a keyboard for reproducing letters, figures, symbols and other
resembling printed ones. a machine that can reproduce printed characters on papers or that
can produce printed letters and figures on paper, a machine designed to print or impress
type of characters on papers, as a speedier and more legible substitute for handwriting.
TYPEWRITER COMPONENTS

EVOLUTION OF TYPEWRITER

 Early Concepts (1714):

The first known patent for a typing device was issued to Henry Mill, an English
engineer. However, it was never produced.

 First Practical Typewriter (1868):

CHRISTOPHER LATHAM SHOLES, ALONG WITH CARLOS GLIDDEN AND SAMUEL W.

SOULE, invented and patented the first practical typewriter in the U.S. This version
introduced the QWERTY keyboard layout, still used today.

 Commercial Production (1873):

Sholes & Glidden typewriter, also known as the Remington No. 1, was the first
commercially produced typewriter, manufactured by E. Remington and Sons

 Improved Models (1896):

The Underwood No. 1 typewriter, created by Franz X. Wagner, set the standard for
typewriters by allowing visible typing
  Electrification (1920s-1961):

Innovations led to the development of electric typewriters, with James Smathers

credited with designing the first practical electric typewriter in the 1920s. By 1961,
IBM released the SELECTRIC TYPEWRITER, which replaced the traditional typebar
with a typeball, improving speed and reliability.

The Hansen Writing Ball is a significant invention in the history of typewriting. Invented by Rasmus
Malling-Hansen, a Danish pastor and principal, it is notable as one of the first commercially
produced typewriters.

•Date: The first functional model of the Hansen Writing Ball was completed in 1865, and it was
patented in 1870.

•Design: The Writing Ball featured a unique, semi-spherical shape with keys positioned in a
dome arrangement. This design was intended for fast typing, and its keys were arranged to
optimize typing speed for the Danish language.

•Innovations: It was one of the first machines capable of producing text faster than handwriting.
It had an integrated mechanism that would move the paper carriage as typing proceeded.

•Recognition: Malling-Hansen's typewriter gained attention and won awards at international

exhibitions, such as the 1873 Vienna World Exposition.

Although the Hansen Writing Ball was innovative for its time, its complex design and high cost
limited widespread adoption. However, it paved the way for further developments in typewriting
technology.

Sholes and Glidden typewriter, also known as the Remington No. 1, was a groundbreaking
invention as the first commercially successful typewriter.

•Inventors: The typewriter was developed by Christopher Latham Sholes, Carlos Glidden, and
Samuel W. Soule. Sholes, a newspaper editor and inventor, played a leading role in its development.

•Patent: The group patented their typewriting machine in 1868.

•Manufacturing: The manufacturing rights were sold to E. Remington and Sons, a company known
for making firearms and sewing machines. This move helped transition the prototype into
commercial production in 1873.

Features:

•QWERTY Keyboard Layout: The Sholes and Glidden typewriter introduced the QWERTY keyboard
layout, designed to prevent typebar jams by spacing out commonly used letter pairs. This layout
became standard and is still used in modern keyboards.

•Appearance and Design: It had an ornate, sewing-machine-like appearance, decorated with floral
designs. The machine only typed in uppercase letters.

•Mechanics: The typebars struck from beneath the paper, meaning the operator could not see the
text as it was being typed (known as blind typing).

•Power Source: It was a mechanical device powered by the typist’s manual effort.

Mignon was a mechanical index typewriter designed by Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck and
manufactured by AEG between 1903 and 1934. It was a practical alternative to keyboard
typewriters in the early 20th century.

Features of the Mignon typewriter:

•Index

•The Mignon had a rectangular index with 84 characters in seven rows. The lowercase
letters were on the right, the capitals on the left, and special characters on the perimeter.

•Operation

•To type, the user would point the pointer at a letter on the index and strike the key. The
type cylinder would move into position over the platen, and then the black key in front
would be pushed down to type.

•Interchangeable parts
 •The index card and type sleeve could be replaced to change fonts and use character sets
for different languages.

•Speed

•With minor practice, the operator could reach a typing speed of at least 100 strokes per
minute.

Mechanical Standardization (by 1910):

•Typewriters developed a standardized design where each key was connected to a typebar that
struck an inked ribbon against paper on a cylindrical platen.

•A carriage mechanism moved horizontally and vertically, allowing continuous typing and paper
advancement.

Visibility Improvement:

•Early typewriters had "blind" typing (text not visible until carriage return). The Daugherty
Visible (1893) and Underwood (1895) introduced frontstriking typebars, allowing typists to
see what they were typing.

Shift Key Innovation:

•Introduced in the Remington No. 2 (1878), it allowed a single typebar to type two
characters (uppercase and lowercase), simplifying the mechanism and reducing the number
of keys.

Three-bank Typewriters:

•Compact models with three rows of keys and dual-shift functions, like the Corona No. 3,
made them lighter and more portable, popular with journalists during WWI.

Tab Key Addition:

•Enabled easier formatting for typing columns of data by allowing pre-set stops, enhancing
business use.

Dead Keys for Diacritics:

•Allowed the typing of accented characters without advancing the paper, thus reducing the
number of keys needed.

Character Sizes:

•Standardized fixed-width characters printed six lines per inch, with "pica" (10 characters
per inch) and "elite" (12 characters per inch) as common widths.

Dual-color Ribbons:
 •Used for emphasizing text, such as negative numbers, with a lever to switch between black
and red stripes.

Noiseless Typewriters:

•Innovations by Wellington Parker Kidder led to reduced noise mechanisms, with models
like the Noiseless Typewriter marketed in 1917, which became popular through the mid-
20th century.

TYPES OF TYPEWRITERS

• Type Bar Typewriters:

These typewriters utilize a series of type bars, each with a specific character, that strike the
ribbon and paper to imprint the letter or symbol. They were the most common type of
typewriter for many years and were known for their durability and versatility. The type bars
are arranged in a circular or linear fashion, and when a key is pressed, the corresponding
type bar swings upwards and strikes the ribbon and paper.

• Electric Typewriters:

Electric typewriters utilize an electric motor to power the typing mechanism, which makes it
easier to type and produces a more consistent print quality. They are more expensive than
manual typewriters but offer more features and benefits. The motor assists in striking the
keys, resulting in a lighter touch and greater speed. Electric typewriters often include
features like automatic margin setting, paper correction, and ribbon changing mechanisms.

• IBM Selectric Typewriters:

This type of typewriter was introduced by IBM in 1961 and was a major advancement in
typewriter technology. It used a golf ball-shaped typing element that could be easily
changed to use different typefaces. The Selectric typewriter was more expensive than other
typewriters but offered a wider range of typefaces and a higher quality print.

Electric typewriters:

1. Foundation:

1. Thomas Edison laid the groundwork for electric typewriters with the Universal Stock
Ticker (1870), which printed characters via telegraph lines.

2. Early Electric Models:

1. The Cahill (1900) was the first series-produced electric typewriter.

2. Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company (1902) made an electric model using a typewheel

but lacked commercial success.
 3. The Morkrum Printing Telegraph (1910) by Charles and Howard Krum advanced electric
typewriting for teletype systems.

3. Practical Innovations:

1. James Fields Smathers (1914) invented the first practical power-operated typewriter,
further developed by Northeast Electric in 1920.

2. Remington began producing electric typewriters powered by Northeast Electric motors in

1925.

4. IBM's Pioneering Role:

1. IBM acquired Electromatic Typewriters, Inc. in 1933 and launched the IBM Electric
Typewriter Model 01.

2. IBM's Electromatic Model 04 (1941) featured proportional spacing for a typeset-like

appearance and used carbon-film ribbons for clearer output.

5. IBM Selectric (1961):

1. Introduced the typeball ("golfball") mechanism, eliminating jams and enabling font
changes.

2. Dominated the office market due to ease of use and reliable design.

3. Correcting Selectrics allowed correction without white-out, enhancing document editing.

6. Later Electric Models:

1. Innovations from Smith-Corona (1973) included interchangeable ribbon cartridges.

2. Photocopying reduced the need for carbon copies, making typing more efficient.

7. Electronic Typewriters:

1. Emerged in the 1970s, replacing typeballs with daisy wheel mechanisms.

2. Olivetti led with the TES 501 (1976) and later models featuring display and memory
storage.

3. Advanced models by Brother, Canon, Smith-Corona, and others became known as word-
processing typewriters, some with limited display screens.

These advancements transitioned typewriters from mechanical to electric and then to electronic,
setting the stage for modern word processing.

COMMON TYPES OF MODERN PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

 Laser Printing
 Utilizes a laser beam to charge and transfer toner onto paper, producing high-
quality, crisp text and images.

 Inkjet Printing

Sprays microscopic droplets of ink directly onto the paper, offering a wide range of
color options.

 Digital Printing

Encompasses various technologies like toner-based, liquid ink, and solid ink,
enabling on-demand, customizable printing.

CHARACTERISTICS OF TYPEWRITING AND THEIR IDENTIFICATION

1. Character Spacing

Each character in a typewritten document is evenly spaced, unlike the variable spacing in
handwriting.

2. Impression Marks

Typewritten characters leave visible impression marks on the paper, which can be analyzed
for identification.

3. Font Characteristics

The unique font, kerning, and stroke patterns of a particular typewriter can be used as
identifiers.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERIZED DOCUMENTS AND THEIR IDENTIFICATION

 Pixel-Based Printing

Computerized documents are typically printed using pixel-based technologies, such

as laser or inkjet, leaving unique patterns.

 Font Variations

The wide range of font options available in word processing software can help
identify the source of a document.

 Metadata Analysis

Examining the embedded metadata, such as creation dates and author

information, can provide valuable clues.

 Printing Flaws
 Identifying unique printing defects or artifacts can link a document to a specific
printer or device.

EXAMINATION OF PRINTING FLAWS AND DEFECTS

1. Toner Irregularities

Analyzing the distribution and density of toner particles can reveal issues with the printing
process.

2. Ink Bleeding

Observing patterns of ink spread or feathering can help identify the printing technology
used.

3. Mechanical Defects

Recurring printing errors, such as misalignment or skewing, can be traced back to specific
devices.

TERMINOLOGIES

• Original Document: The original document that was created by the typewriter.

• Copied Document: A reproduction of the original document, which may have been made using a
copier or scanner.

• Forensic Analysis: The scientific examination of evidence to determine its origin, authenticity, or
other relevant characteristics.

• Chain of Custody: A chronological record of the possession and handling of evidence, ensuring its
integrity and admissibility in court.

• Typewriter Identification: The process of identifying the specific typewriter used to create a
document.

• Printing Defects: Imperfections or flaws in the printing process that can be used to link a
document to a particular printer or device.

• Toner Analysis: The examination of the toner particles used in a document to determine their
composition and origin.

• Ink Bleeding: The spreading or feathering of ink on paper, which can be indicative of the printing
technology used.

• Impression Marks: Visible marks left by the typewriter's type bars on the paper, which can be
analyzed to identify the typewriter.
• Font Characteristics: The unique features of a typewriter's font, such as kerning, stroke patterns,
and character shape, can be used to identify it.

• Metadata: Data embedded in a document that provides information about its creation, author,
and other details.

• Character Spacing: The consistent spacing between characters in typewritten documents, which
distinguishes them from handwritten documents.

• Alignment: The positioning of text or images in a straight line, either horizontally or vertically.

• Alignment Defect: A deviation from the intended alignment of text or images, such as uneven
spacing or tilting.

• Carbon impression: A copy of a typewritten document made using carbon paper.

• Character: A single letter, number, or symbol in a typewritten document.

• Clogged typefaces: Type bars or type faces that are partially or completely obstructed by dirt
ordebris, resulting in poor or incomplete impressions.

• Defects: Flaws or imperfections in a typewriter's mechanism or printing process that can lead to
unique characteristics in the document.

• Natural variations: Minor differences in the appearance of typewritten characters due to factors
such as ribbon condition, paper quality, or typewriter alignment.

• Off its feet: A typewriter that is not properly aligned or level, resulting in uneven or distorted
impressions.

• Permanent defect: A defect in a typewriter's mechanism that cannot be easily corrected or

adjusted.

• Platen: The cylinder or drum in a typewriter that holds the paper during typing.

• Proportional spacing typewriting: A typewriting method where characters are spaced based on
their width, rather than using a fixed spacing for all characters.

• Rebound: The rapid return of a typewriter's type bar to its original position after striking the paper.

• Ribbon impressions: The visible marks left by the typewriter's ribbon on the paper.

• Ribbon condition: The condition of the typewriter's ribbon, which can affect the clarity and
darkness of the typewritten impressions.

• Transitory defect: A temporary defect in a typewriter's mechanism that can be corrected or

adjusted.

• Twisted letter: A typewritten character that is not properly aligned or has a distorted shape due to
a defect in the type bar or type face.

• Type face: The design or style of a typewriter's font.

• Type face defects: Flaws or imperfections in the design or manufacture of a typewriter's font.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND COPIED DOCUMENTS

 Optical Resolution

Examining the sharpness and clarity of text and images can distinguish between an
original and a copy.

 Halftone Patterns

The distinct dot patterns created by copying devices can be used to identify the
source of a document.

 Background Variations

Subtle differences in paper texture, color, and other background elements can help
verify authenticity.

TECHNIQUES FOR THE FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF PRINTED MATERIALS

 Microscopic Examination

Detailed analysis of printing characteristics under high magnification can reveal

unique identifying details.

 Spectroscopic Analysis

Techniques like infrared or Raman spectroscopy can identify the chemical

composition of inks and toners.

 Computational Analysis

Automated image processing and pattern recognition algorithms can assist in the
identification process.

PRESERVING EVIDENCE AND MAINTAINING CHAIN OF CUSTODY

 Documentation

Detailed record-keeping of the examination process and findings is crucial for

maintaining the integrity of evidence.

 Secure Storage

Printed materials must be stored in a controlled environment to prevent any

alteration or degradation.
 Chain of Custody

Tracking the movement and handling of evidence throughout the investigation

ensures its admissibility in court.