What We Can and Can't Do

ocument Evidence can:

• Compare handwritings/signatures to establish authorship.
• Determine whether documents have been typed on a specific typewriter, or whether a number of documents have been typed on the same typewriter.
  
• Examine documents for impressions of indented handwriting from other documents written out on top of them.
  
• Determine whether entries have been added to/removed from a document, or if entries have been altered.
  
• Establish the details of entries obliterated by correcting fluid.
  
• Determine whether photocopies have been produced on a specific photocopier.
  
• Intercompare papers/inks.
  
• Establish the sequence in which intersecting ink lines have been written.
  
• Examine counterfeit documents and printing equipment.
  
• Reconstruct torn or shredded documents.
• Examine typewriters and word processors.
• Obtain useful evidence from photocopies/microfiche copies where sufficient detail of the original documents has been reproduced.
  

We cannot:

• Give any indication as to the personality, or sex of the writer of a questioned document.
  
• Compare signatures written in different names.
• Identify the author of handwriting which is grossly disguised.
  
• Determine the age of inks - however other evidence may assist in dating a document.
  
• Determine whether a questioned entry was written using a specific pen.