Forensic questioned document examination involves the analysis of questioned handwritten documents in order to attempt to determination authorship. Expert Opinion and Questioned Document work involves years of experience, precision and exactness. As handwriting comparison is a complex skill it is necessary to look for similar and dissimilar features in the anonymous document or signature and handwriting of the suspect, when compared with the known handwriting or signature. My expert report will be based on the number of similar and different characteristics, concluding with a professional opinion based on the evidence uncovered. Handwriting experts are called upon to examine signatures, written or handwritten text, initials or numbering on personal and business documents with the intent on proving or dis-proving authorship or genuineness when examining and comparing handwriting.
Expert handwriting examination cannot be termed an exact science as handwriting changes; it lacks total uniformity and can alter over time. Handwriting, or 'brainwriting', is a highly complex act involving a person's individuality or character and is largely dependent on habitual movements and formation of a writer's individual letter formations, regardless of how that person is initially taught to write. Certain aspects can be measured. Some features are easily changeable and some can be altered with more difficulty. For example, to change the angle of the slant is easier than changing the zonal proportions (height of letters such as 'b', 'd' and 'l' etc. and length of letters such as 'g' and 'y', middle zone letters such as 'a', 'e', 'm' and 's' etc.) or completely imitating the letter spacing, pressure pattern and irregularity of another person's writing. Emotional responses, general health and/or nervous problems plus major or minor drug use are also a consideration. Ideally original documentation should be provided if possible.
Types of Expert Document Examination Work Undertaken:-
• Loss Adjusters/Insurance Claims and
Insurance Companies
I am consulted with a view to helping to confirm whether an insurance
claim is legitimate, or not, by comparing Claim Letter with known handwriting
as
occasionally a claimant is seeking fraudulent compensation.
• Solicitors
I am consulted with a view to helping confirm whether a signature on a legal
document or piece of handwriting is genuine, or not.
Expert Witness Training including familiarity with Court procedure and CPS
Rules undertaken.
• I am consulted by companies who are having problems with graffiti
in offices
factories or warehouses.
Ideally a clear photograph of the graffiti is submitted for analysis together
with
samples of a suspect or various suspects' known handwriting for comparison.
" I am consulted by private individuals or companies who are receiving
hate-mail
or nuisance letters or notes.
The letter or letters are submitted for comparison with suspects' handwriting.
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