How can the 'Forensic Document Examiner' help you?
The Forensic Document Examiner is the specialist who conducts examinations of documents, using scientific methods, in order to prove their authenticity or forgery or some individual graphic alteration or modification, by examining and comparing handwritten indications, signatures, mechanical prints [typewriters, photocopiers and printing machines], stamp prints, inks, graphic substrates (mainly paper) and other related graphic elements that are usually “linked” to documents, such as traces of staples / paper clips etc.
Any similarities and differences, between disputed and sample elements, are pointed out and evaluated comparatively - and always in combination - based on their graphic uniqueness (individuality).
In the course of laboratory tests and after utilizing applied and reliable scientific methods & techniques, the Document & Writing Examiner is able to highlight findings that demonstrate both the way and the method of 'compiling' a document and in some cases the sequence of 'placement' of the graphic elements on it, with emphasis on those that concern - and are able to determine - the age of the document.
The results of the examinations are presented either with an information note or with a detailed report for judicial use, sufficiently -of course- justified, where the main graphic findings that prove the expressed conclusions are presented in detail -as required by law-.
Both Judicial Authorities or other public Services in general but also private companies very often seek the assistance of these Document & Writing Examiners, both in criminal or civil cases and in internal -service- cases, which may be investigated at the level of the civil servants’ code.
The Document & Writing Examiner is required to hold a university degree relevant to his / her specialty and to have specific specializations, obtained by training in recognized forensic document examination laboratories, which exist either in government agencies or in universities or even in recognized private laboratories, which, however, are authorized to issue certificates of training and specialization.
Document and Writing Examiners should not be confused with analytical -psychodiagnostic- graphologists, as that specialty focuses on the study and analysis of the individual's personality through their writing.