Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINER?

A forensic document examiner (FDE) uses scientific analysis and comparison of handwriting, hand printing, typewriting, printing, photocopying, inks, and paper to reach a scientific opinion of the validity of a questioned document. Sometimes a forensic document examiner may be referred to as a handwriting expert or a handwriting analyst in the general public.

WHAT MAKES A FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINER QUALIFIED?

A qualified document examiner should have a Baccalaureate degree, received training from a established laboratory or practice, have a membership in organizations such as the Association of Forensic Document Examiners and be certified by a board such as the Board of Forensic Document Examiners or boards that are accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE A PERSON'S PERSONALITY BASED ON THEIR HANDWRITING?

Forensic document examination does not develop information about a person's personality. There is a separate field called graphology that deals with personality and handwriting. OMNI Document Examinations does not practice graphology.

CAN YOU TELL A PERSON'S AGE, GENDER, OR HANDEDNESS FROM THEIR HANDWRITING?

Age, gender, and handedness (right- or left-handed) cannot be ascertained by a person's handwriting.

CAN A FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINER WORK WITH COPIES OR FAXES OF A DOCUMENT?

While this is determined on a case-by-case basis, it is always best to use original documents whenever possible. Copies and faxes degrade the quality of a document, obscuring important details and adding flaws.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION?

If you suspect that you have a forged or altered document, protect the original document in a report cover or file folder. Avoid handling it more than necessary. If the document in question is a photocopy, do not place it in a plastic cover, but store it in a file folder.

You may be asked to obtain contemporaneous comparison documents. Begin to assemble documents that can be admitted in a court of law and are acknowledged as being genuine. If the note is an anonymous note, and you have a suspect, assemble writings of the suspect as well as other people to create a "line-up" and avoid prejudice.