DEBRA DUNLAP, FDE
Handwriting and Questioned Document Examination Services
Care and Handling of Documents
The care and preservation of documents and handwriting in question to its original condition is vital. Careless mishandling of any documents may significantly hamper the interpretation of the evidence within them.
Avoid injecting any physical changes or additional notations to the documents which could hinder an evaluation of evidential handwriting, or the document on which it is found. This includes carelessly introducing a new fold into the document.
Under microscopic examination a simple fold within the document could reveal fraudulent additions or alterations to the original document and an order of writing sequence. It is advised never to put new creases in a document or alter the direction of those already there. Always include with the document the envelope or information regarding the manner in which the document was "discovered" to the document examiner.
In the case of a series of anonymous notes, care must be taken to preserve the document's physical integrity. Indented writing, writing which is inkless and created from the pressure of the writing instrument's movement on material above the document in question, may be observable under examination.
Original documents should be handled with care and placed in transparent plastic envelopes or protective sleeves. Protective wrap and document boxes should be used for transportation. Efforts should be made to refrain from placing any objects on top of the documents in question that could diminish possible evidence.
Debra Dunlap, FDE
PO Box 826 ~ Ottawa, KS 66067 785-229-2722 4insight@kansas.net www.questioned-documents.com
Magna est Veritas et Praevalet
"Truth is Great, It will Prevail"
