Specialised Equipment
Forensic document examination involves analysing the authenticity, integrity, and origin of documents to detect signs of forgery, alterations, or fraud. A variety of specialized equipment and tools are used in this field to aid in the examination of documents. These tools allow forensic document examiners to provide accurate and detailed analyses of documents, printing, and handwriting, uncovering signs of tampering or forgery that may not be detectable by the naked eye, or authenticating the validity of such documents, handwriting, and signatures.
Key Pieces of Equipment We Use
Handheld/Portable Magnifiers
Purpose: A Handheld/Portable magnifier can be used to enlarge printing, text, and/or handwriting/signatures on a document and carry out the initial preliminary examination or an examination in the field.
Use: Some of these handheld devices also have specialised light sources incorporated, in order to view other security features not visible to the naked eye, and when attached to a PC, relevant images can be saved.
Microscope (Stereomicroscope/Comparison Microscope)
Purpose: A stereomicroscope allows for detailed examination of handwriting, printing, or alterations at a high magnification. A comparison microscope (dual-microscope system) is especially useful for comparing different documents side by side.
Use: To observe fine details in paper fibres, ink marks, handwriting strokes, and other minute characteristics that can help identify forgeries
Video Spectral Comparator (VSC80 by Foster & Freeman)
Purpose: A sophisticated imaging system used for detailed examination of documents under various light sources (UV, IR, visible, transmitted, oblique).
Use: It is used to detect alterations like erasures, indented writing, and assist with the authenticity of inks, paper types, and printing methods.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Source
Purpose: Emits UV light to reveal features that are not visible under normal lighting.
Use: To detect certain types of ink, paper fluorescence, and hidden security features in documents, watermarks or tampered areas of background print.
Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)
Purpose: This equipment creates an electrostatic charge to lift impressions left on paper.
Use: It’s mainly used to reveal indented writing on paper, such as writing that was previously written on a sheet above the one being analysed.