CDI 3F: Scientific Processing of Physical Evidence with

Chain of Custody
ASSOCIATIVE EVIDENCE: IMPRESSIONS
EVIDENCE - impressions of one type or another one often left at crime
Evidence (Merriam webster) scenes. These impressions may be deep or ultrathin.

- something which shows that something else exists or it is true. Techniques to preserve the impressions:

- material that is presented to a court of law to help find the truth  Photography
about something.  Casting

Evidence (legal definition)

- evidence is the means, sanctioned by these rules, of TYPES OF EVIDENCE
ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the truth respecting a matter
1. Physical Evidence *product of the perpetrator and victim
of fact.
- tangible objects – items that are real, direct and not
circumstantial.
Physical Evidence
- primarily defines a crime scene and that is the basis for the
- used to establish an element of a crime actions of the investigator at the scene

- any physical entity that can furnish some degree of proof or Biological Evidence – any evidence derived from a living item.
disproof This includes psychological fluids, plants, and some biological
pathogens.
- can connect a victim or suspect to a crime
Chemical Evidence – any evidence with identifiable chemicals
present.
Why examine physical evidence? Patterned Evidence - any evidence with a pattern or a predictable
pattern of evidence.
1. IDENTIFICATION
Trace Evidence – any evidence of such a small size so as to be
- the process of elucidating the physical or chemical identity of a
overlooked or not recognized.
substance with as much certainty as possible.
Information that can be obtained:
2. COMPARISON
Determination of Corpus Delicti
- the process of subjecting both the evidence (questioned sample)
and the reference material (exemplar) - the evidence is used to determine if a crime has taken place.
Modus Operandi Identification
CHARACTERISTICS OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE - a criminal’s repeated behavior. Repeated methods of entry are a
clue to the criminal’s identity.
IDENTIFICATION
- when a forensic scientist attempts to identify an object, he/she
takes measurements that describe the physical and chemical Association or linkage/Locard’s Principle of Exchange
properties of that object with as scientific techniques will allow.
- the transfer of evidence by contact.
- forensic analysis involve comparison of the questioned sample
to some standard sample. Disproving/supporting victim/suspect/witness statements

- a test is considered valid if: - the evidence may or may not support what these group says.

 Reproducible Identification of suspects/victims/crime scene location

 Sensitive - fingerprints and even DNA can be used to identify who was
 Specific present at a crime scene.
Provide for Investigative leads for detectives
ASSOCIATIVE EVIDENCE - the use of physical evidence to give information to detectives
- physical evidence located at a crime scene can be used either to that will assist them in locating victims and suspects.
associate a suspect with a crime or to rule out that person as a 2. Documentary Evidence
suspect.
- any kind of writing, sound, or video recording; its validity is
ASSOCIATIVE EVIDENCE: TOOLMARKS usually authenticated by expert testimony.
- created when some kind of tool creates an impression, cut, 3. Testimonial Evidence
scratch, or abrasion on another surface.
- evidence in the form of witnesses speaking under oath in court.
- markings left on an object that has been scratched in the crime
laboratory with the same tool.
How is it being preserved? LEGAL ASPECTS OF EVIDENCE
- photography is not the best way to recover/preserve the Admissibility
evidence
- if possible, make a cast
“The character or quality which any material must necessarily - Principle of Contact – every person who is physically involved
possess for it to be accepted and allowed to be presented or in a crime leaves some minute trace of his/her presence in the
introduced as evidence in court. (Section3, Rules of Court)” crime scene or in the victim and often takes something away
from the crime scene and/or victim.
Weight
“The value given or significance or impact, or importance given
to the material after it has been admitted after it has been Daubert Standard
admitted; its tendency to convince or persuade.”
- this is the standard used by a trial judge to assess whether an
expert witness’ scientific testimony based on scientifically valid
reasoning that which can properly be applied to the facts at issue.
REQUISITES FOR ADMISSIBILITY
a. whether the theory or technique can be tested
Relevancy
b. whether the proffered work has been subjected to peer review
- evidence must have such a relation to the fact in issue as to
induce belief in its existence or non-existence. c. whether the rate of error is acceptable
Competency d. whether the method at issue enjoys widespread acceptance
- all facts having rational probative value are admissible unless
some specific law or rule forbids.
Scientific Tests Judicially Accepted:
Doctrine of the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree
1. Paraffin tests although they are not conclusive that a person
“Evidence will be excluded if it was gained through evidence did or did not fire a gun
uncovered in an illegal arrest, unreasonable search or coercive
interrogation, or violation of a particular exclusionary law.” 2. Lie Detection Test: The result is not admissible as evidence in
the Philippines
3. Firearms Identification Evidence or Ballistic Test to determine
Chain of Custody whether a bullet was fired from a particular gun
- refers to the documentation that establishes a record of the 4. Questioned Document Test and Handwriting Analysis
control, transfer, and disposition of evidence in a criminal case.
5. Drug Tests on a Person
Importance: to prove the integrity of an evidence.
6. Toxicology or Test of Poison
7. Psychiatric examination
Object Evidence
8. Voice Identification Test
- object as evidence are those addressed to the senses of the
court. When an object is relevant to the fact in issue, it may be 9. Finger Printing
exhibited to, examined, or viewed by the court. 10. Genetic Science such as DNA or Blood Test
a. The exhibited to the Court or observed by it during the trial
- the weapons used, the articles recovered or seized as subjects of CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
an offense, the effects of the crime, clothing apparels.
CSI
- the wound or scars in the body in physical injury cases.
- the process of recognizing, searching, collecting, preserving,
- inspection of the body of the accused and his personal and documenting physical evidence at the crime scene.
appearance to determine his body built, physique, height, racial
characteristics, and similarities with another, in paternity suits
- observation as to the demeanor of witnesses SOCO
- re-enactment or demonstrations of actions - if the case is considered as sensational case
b. Those which consists of the results of inspections of things or “Walk through” – will be able to know the pattern area
places conducted by the court (ocular inspections outside the
court)  Documentation
 Collecting
- the observations made by the parties are duly, recorded,  Assessment/survey
pictures and other representation may be made such as sketches
and measurements.
c. Those which consists of the results of experiments, tests, or TWO PRIMARY OBJECTIVES IN CSI:
demonstrations, which may be scientific tests/experiments, or
practical test/demonstrations provided the conduct of 1. to establish what happened
experiments/tests is subject to the discretion of the court 2. to identify the responsible person/s
- Forensic or Microanalysis: the application of scientific
principles to answer questions of interest in the legal system.
Applied most often in the examination of Trace Evidence to KEY TERMS
solve crimes based on the Principle of Contact
-
- Trace Evidence – evidence found at a crime scene in small but
measurable amounts such as hairs, fibers, soils, botanical -
materials, explosive residue.
- - conducts turnover of the evidence
-
- Physical Evidence Assessment
- - thorough assessment during the CS search
- type of evidence according to priority and forensic relevancy
THE CSI TEAM
First Responder Narrative Description of the Crime Scene
- members of the PNP or other law enforcement agencies who - CSI report
are mandated.
Criminal Investigator
Crime Scene Documentation
- conduct the inquiry of the crime by following a systematic set
- photography
- note taking
CSI TEAM
- sketching
Team Leader
Crime Scene Search
- oversees all the function of his/her team members
- start from the accessible areas and then proceed to hardly
Evidence Custodian accessible
- all the evidence will be turn over to the custodian - identify the evidence of fragile or transient in nature
Photographer *always start where the victim is
- he/she documents the whole crime scene
Investigator/Recorder Physical Evidence Recording and Collection
- the one who hold the files/record - indicate specific evidence locations on the diagram/sketch of
photo log
Composite Illustrator
- tag and photograph evidence before collection
-
- mark all the recovered evidence
- use appropriate container
SOCO TEAM
- seal all evidence
Scene of the Crime Scene
- taking distance measurements by the sketcher
- to process the crime scene
*soco will come only if there is a request upon the investigator
on case Final Crime Scene Processing
- vigorous shall be conducted
- discuss identity w/ IOC for completeness
- review documentation
- account all collected evidence
- conduct inventory of equipment

CRIME SCENE PROCESSING PROCEDURE Post Crime Scene Processing

Crime Scene Approach - TL informs the IOC as to the types of the evidence collected
(significant to the scene)
- coordination with the IOC
- disposition of the evidence
- recording and documentation
- furnish the 100 copy of inventory evidence collected
- wearing PPE
- case conference in necessary

Preliminary
Golden Rule in Criminal Investigation
- initial walk through
“Do not touch, alter, move or transfer any object at the crime
- appropriate search method scene unless it is properly marked, measured, sketch and/or
“Command post” – adjacent to the CS photographed.”
M – utilation 2. Fingerprint ink
A – lteration 3. Card holder
C – ontamincation 4. Glass slab or inking plate

5. Cleaning materials (Petroleum, cloth, etc.)

c. Guidelines in Taking Standard Fingerprint

Module 5: Evidence Handling and Collection: Fingerprint
1. Use fingerprint card from PNPFU accredited supplier only.
Introduction
Reason for rejection- submission of non-prescribed fingerprint
 Fingerprint is one of the most positive means of personal card, e.g. bond paper, oslo paper, etc.
identification. Fingerprints in the form of latent prints are traces
left by the perpetrators at the crime scene. These prints when 2. Use fingerprint ink only.
properly collected and examined through the utilization of Reason for rejection- use of tamp pad ink
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) help
investigator uncover a crime scene suspect or even track his/ her 3. Filled out completely the fingerprint card.
criminal record, thereby helps for the early solution crimes,
Reason for rejection- incomplete entries
hence there is a need to maintain the evidentiary value of
fingerprint for the appreciation of the court. d. Basic Requirements for Fingerprint Examination

1. Letter request

DEFINITION OF TERMS: 2. Specimen

a. AFIS- an acronym for Automated Fingerprint Identification 3. Photographs where latent prints were collected
System, a computerized system for digitizing, matching, storing
and retrieving fingerprint images and textual information. e. All information must be properly filled-up and completed;
Entries must be typewritten or printed with the use of black
b. Fingerprint- is one of the most reliable means of or blue ink only.
identification of persons. It is the reproduction on some smooth
surface of the pattern or designed formed by the ridges on the *Incase the subject is illiterate, the investigator or any of the
inside end joint the finger or thumb. subject’s relatives should fill out the information as requires in
the fingerprint card.
c. Latent Prints- are markings or prints found at the crime scene
usually rather indistinct, left by oily matters or perspiration 1. Last Name, First Name, Middle Name
exuded from the fingertips, palms or sole of the foot upon any 2. Nickname. Other name/s of the subject.
substance which the fingers/ palms/sole of the foot may have
touched. 3. Date of birth. Must be in order and characters as indicated
hereunder
d. Hit- is the term used when a search print is found identical/
matched with the registered file print. Example: MM DD YYYY

e. Registered Print- is the latent fingerprint or tenprint whose *If the subject does not know or recall the date of his birth, the
images and textual information were captured and encoded in the IOC may refer the matter to the subject’s nearest kin. It should
AFIS database. estimate the age of the subject. (e.g. between 18 to 25 years old)
which should be noted in the box provided for the date of birth.
f. Tenprint- refers to the set of fingerprints designated with the
number 1 to 10 as follows: 1-right thumb; 2-right index finger;3- 4. Sex. Indicate by writing either “F” (female) or “M” (male).
right middle finger; 4-right ring finger;5-right little finger; 6-left
5. Address. Indicate by writing the whole address including the
thumb; 7-left index finger; 8- left middle finger; 9-left ring
Region, Province, City or Municipality, and Barangay.
finger; 10- left little finger.
6. Citizenship. Filipino, Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, etc.
g. Tenprint Card- refers to the standard PNP Forensic Unit
Form No. 452-038 where the set of tenprints as well as other data 7. Occupation. Businessman, Company Employee, etc.
are recorded. Another term for fingerprint card.
8. Place of birth. Indicate the Region, Province, and City/
Municipality.

I. COLLECTION: FINGERPRINTING 9. Built. Indicate by writing among “L” (large), “M” (medium)
or “S” (small).
a. Two types of Fingerprint Impressions
10. Blood Type. Indicate “A”, “B”, “AB” or “O”
1. Rolled Impression- requires the thumb to be rolled towards
and four (fingers) away from the center of the subject’s body. 11. Region, Province, City. Indicate the Region, Province and
City or Municipality of the Police Station.
2. Plain Impression- requires that the fingers be taken or printed
simultaneously without rolling the thumb. 12. Apprehension Data. Indicate the Case Number and the Arrest
Number.
b. Fingerprint Equipment

1. Fingerprint roller
13. District, Barangay/ Zone, Police Station Number. Indicate the correct individual height differences. (This formation aids the
Region, District, Barangay, Zone and Police Station Number of examiner in checking the proper sequence of the right hand
the arresting Officer. rolled fingerprints).

14. Charge or Offense. Charges or offenses taken must be 9. Boxes with the notation “left thumb” and “right thumb”
indicated in full words, without using any abbreviation (e.g. should show the left thumb and right thumb plain impressions,
Theft, Robbery, Rape and/ or Murder etc.). respectively.

15. Photo. Picture submitted can either be 2”x2” or passport size 10. Left and Right palm prints should be impressed in the
picture. position following the arrow sign as well as the sides of the palm
on the space provided on the other side of the card.
16. Business Address/ Company/ School. Indicate the region,
Province, City or Municipality and Barangay. g. Important Points to be Considered in Taking Standard
Prints
17. Place of Arrest. Indicate specific place where the person was
arrested to include the Region, Province, City or Municipality, 1. Cleanliness of equipment (ink slab, ink roller, card holder)
and Barangay.
2. The right kind and correct amount of ink.
18. Signature of Person Fingerprinted. Handwritten signature
3. Proper distribution of ink on the glass slab or inking plate.
should appear in black or blue ink.
4. The distance of the subject from the inking plate or the
19. Date of Arrest. Must be in order as indicated hereunder.
fingerprint card.
Example: MM DD YYYY
5. The operator’s advice to the subject “to relax and never aid in
02 02 2022 the operation”.

20. Name and Signature of Official Taking Fingerprint. Indicate 6. The pressure to be exerted must be slight and even, and rolling
the handwritten signature over the printed name of the should be continuous movement including the lifting.
investigator with his rank in black or blue ink.
7. The nails of a finger should be at right angle to the glass slab
21. Arresting Officer/s. The complete name of the arresting or to the card before rolling. Always roll the finger until the other
officer with his rank must be indicated. side of the nail is reached.

22. Court/ Final Disposition. Indicate the status of the case (filed 8. The inking and printing must always reach below the first joint
in court, RTC Br 12; on bail; convicted) of the finger.

23. Identifying Marks. Indicate any identifying mark such as 9. The thumb should be rolled towards the subject’s body while
scars, marks (tattoo), significant moles and amputation if any. all other fingers away from the subject’s body.

f. Finger and Palm Impression 10. While rolling the fingers, the subject’s hand should be held/
controlled properly to prevent twisting and slipping of the
1. Fingerprint should be properly rolled and should be done in
fingers.
proper sequence.
11. Add a small amount of ink if necessary and distribute the ink
2. Fingerprint should be at the center of each designated print
properly using the roller by rolling over the ink on the inking
boxes not touching or going beyond the individual box boundary
plate.
lines.
12. Place the subject’s palm on the inking plate then press, use
3. Each rolled fingerprint must be clear, classification and
the link roller to completely cover the entire palm with the ink.
identifiable.
Do the same with the other palm.
4. Each rolled fingerprint must clearly show the pattern area, the
13. Record the palm at the other side of the card carefully,
core (the center) down to the delta/s, except the arches.
position it
5. Box or boxes with split thumbprint, webbed fingerprint and/or
following the arrow sign as provided in the space for the palms,
extra fingerprint should be cited or noted in the remarks provided
5 then press the palm onto the card using firm, even pressure
on the other side of the fingerprint card.
with the fingers slightly spread. Do the same with the other palm.
6. Box or boxes with no rolled fingerprint must have a notation
14. Record the side of the palm by positioning the palm 45
as “amputated”, “with fresh wound” and/or “with bandage”.
degrees slanting towards the subject’s body, then press.
7. Box with the notation “left four fingers taken simultaneously”
15. Always consider proper alignment.
should be with the left four fingerprints clearly showing their
correct individual height differences. (This formation aids the h. Problems Encountered During Taking of Standard
examiner in checking the proper sequence of the left hand rolled Fingerprint.
fingerprints).
1. When the subject is Illiterate
8. Box with the notation “right four fingers taken
The IOC or any of the subject’s nearest kin should fill out the
simultaneously” should be with the right four fingerprints clearly
information as required in the fingerprint card and place a
showing their
notation on the box provided for signature of the person’s
fingerprints or in the Remarks portion that the subject is
illiterate.
2. When the subject’s birth date is not known or could not be II. HANDLING: FINGERPRINT
recalled.
a. Policy
The IOC may refer to the subject’s nearest kin. If the nearest kin
1. Strict compliance with the Chain of Custody of Evidence shall
is not available, the investigator may estimate the age of the
always be observed.
subject (e.g. between 18 to 25 years old), and not in the box
provided for the date of birth. 2. No request for laboratory examination shall be entertained
unless the specimen are properly marked and accordingly
3. When the subject refuses to give information and to sign.
described in the request.
After taking the standard prints of the subject, the IOC may fill
3. After SOCO Report or Incident Spot Report (for investigator)
out the card utilizing that compiled information about the subject
must also be submitted together with the request for examination.
and shall place a note that the subject refuses to give information
and/ or sign. 4. Submission of latent prints shall reach the NHQ, FPID within
seven (7) days for NCR and fifteen (15) days for other regions.
4. When the subject’s fingers have fresh cut wounds or
bandage. b. Procedure Details
NOTE: in the corresponding space on the card eg., fresh cut, 1. The Receiving Duty Personnel (RDP) shall document the
bandage finger, ect., and when the wound has healed, retake received request in the incoming logbook for recording and
another set of standard fingerprint. documentation purposes.
5. When the hands are perspiring excessively. 2. The RDP shall physically account, check and record the
submitted pieces of evidence.
Wipe the finger with clean cloth before inking. If the perspiration
cannot be controlled, wipe the fingers with alcohol. 3. Fingerprint Examiner shall conduct examiner and processing
of evidence as well as the preparation of a draft report for the
6. When the fingers are very dry.
examination being conducted.
Rub the finger with oil, cream or lotion.
4. Draft report will be verified and revied by the Senior
7. When the fingers are very fine. Fingerprint Examiner (if any) before finalization and approval.
He shall further implicate the result of his examination.
Use a very little amount of ink or spread a very thin coating of
ink on the glass slab. 5. Final report will be forwarded to the Chief and he shall
acknowledge and approve the report by signing on the submitted
8. When the one or more of the fingers are lacking or
report.
missing.
6. The Administrative Section shall be responsible for the release
Record the present fingers and place a notation on the
of said report.
corresponding space in the card (e.g. missing at birth or
amputated at the first joint).

9. When the fingers are bent, broken or crippled.

The tools (e.g. special ink roller or spatula and curved strip Lecture Notes on Module 8
holder) that are used for obtaining prints from deceased A. Definition of Terms
individuals can be used to record the friction ridge details.
Document- any material which contains marks, symbols or signs
10. When the subject has extra finger which appear either visible, partially visible, invisible that may presently or
anywhere or between any of the fingers. ultimately convey a meaning or message to someone
Record the thumb and the next four fingers, then the extra Questioned Document- any document which some issue has
finger/s. Record only the fully- developed on an extra fingerprint been raised or which are under scrutiny
card with a note as to where it appears.
Signature- name of a person written on a document as a sign of
11. In case of a split thumb, a thumb having two nails, or acknowledgment
when the subject has two or more fingers, webbed or grown
together, which make it possible to roll such fingers on its Analysis- properties or characteristics is observed or measured
side.
Comparison- properties or characteristics of the unknown
Print in the usual manner just like any normal thumb and make a determined through analysis are now compared with the familiar
notation at the back of the card, on the box for the identifying or recorded properties of known entries
marks or space for the remarks.
Evaluation- similarities or dissimilarities in properties or
12. When the print is not properly rolled (caused by slip or characteristics will have a certain value for identification,
slide), very long or very short, has too much ink or short of determined by its likelihood of occurrence
ink, or a plane instead of a rolled.
Forensic Document Examiner- the one who studies
Cover the wrong print using the correction paper, buy have the scientifically the details and elements of documents in order to
correct print impressed on the correction paper first. Use identify their source or to discover other facts concerning them
correction paper twice at most
Characteristics- a property or mark that distinguishes or
commonly refers to identifying details
Similarity- characteristics in common between two or more  The document cases after examination by examiner
handwritten items shall be filed by the evidence custodian in the filing
cabinet. The filing cabinet must be locked at the secured
Standard Document- are condensed and compact set of
place. It must be made in steel with four (4) shelves,
authentic specimens which, if adequate and proper, should
and placed at the minimum cool temperature and free
contain true cross section of material from a known source
from insect damages
Chain of Custody- refers to the chronological documentation or
Retrieval/releasing of document evidence
paper trail that records the sequence of custody, control, transfer,
analysis, and disposition of physical evidence  Case envelope shall be released to the document
examiner on case after he/she signed in the evidence
logbook maintained by the evidence custodian to
B. Procedures in Handling the Specimen include the date/time borrowed on a daily basis
 If the case to be taken/borrowed for
B. 1. Reception examination/verification is not assigned to the one
 The receiving duty examiner shall require and check the asking for the case envelope, he/she must seek authority
letter request addressed to the Director, Crime Laboratory. from the Chief, QDED.
 Upon receiving the evidence/document, evidence custodian  All official reports and specimen shall be released only
shall check and record the following: to the requesting party or their authorized representative
1. Requesting party upon presentation of identification card/credentials and
2. Time/date received other similar proof
3. Delivered by  If the case is examined by virtue of court order,
4. Received by evidence shall be withdrawn only upon order of the
5. Questioned and Standard documents/evidence with specific court to release the same
description
 After checking the above-mentioned details, duty
examiner shall prepare QD case envelope and assigned B. 3. Storage
QD case number. The QD case number is composed of
All questioned document cases which are filed in the filing
five (5) digits which start to 001 indicates first case
cabinet shall be placed at evidence room. The evidence room
received and so on, the last two digits represents the
must be structurally secured.
current year.
 001-18
 The duty examiner after assigning QD case number to
B. 4. Detailed Procedure for final disposition of Evidence for
the QD case envelope, it shall be forwarded to the
Court Hearing/Reset/ Court duty
Chief, QDED for assigning the examiner.
 The assigned examiner shall proceed with the scientific The evidence custodian, before releasing the QD case envelope
and comparative examination shall record/ entered on the court duties logbook the following:

1. QD case number
2. Name of Examiner
B. 2. Laboratory Examination and Analysis of Document
3. Time and date borrowed
cases applying various techniques through different
4. Time and date of hearing/subpoena
equipment:
5. Date returned
All questioned document cases shall be examined by document  After recording all the details, document examiner on
examiner using scientific methodology of examination such as case who attended court hearing should sign his/her
analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification. The various signature on the time/date borrowed portion of the
techniques of examination using different equipment are the logbook.
following:  If the document evidence submitted to the court if for
marking exhibit, document examiner should get
1. Microscopic examination
certification or list of document evidence from the court
2. Transmitted light examination
with printed name and signature of court personnel who
3. Ultraviolet examination
received the evidence as well as the date.
4. Video Spectral Comparator examination
 The certificate or list of evidence submitted in court
5. Photographic examination
should be placed inside the QD case envelope by the
 All documents shall be photographed by the examiner
document examiner on case
through photomicrography/ photomacrography
 After the testimony/court hearing, document examiner
 Document examiners shall prepare enlarged photographs to
on case shall immediately return the QD case envelope
make comparison chart or demonstrative evidence for court
to the evidence custodian and sign on the time and date
presentation
returned portion of the logbook.
 Re-examination: conducted only upon the court order
 The evidence custodian should check/evaluate the
 Safekeeping of document evidence
content of the QD case envelope, and put remarks/note
 All document cases with QD case number and with on the remarks portion of logbook before it re-filed to
assigned respective examiner are filed in the steel-filing its original position of the filing cabinet
cabinet chronologically according to the numerical  The evidence custodian should lock the filing cabinet
order/sequence for easy identification and retrieval once he filed/stored the QD case envelope
 pencils, dividers, or a similar type of available instrument to
point out identifying characteristics
B.5. Inventory and Audit of Document Evidence
2. Do not mutilate by creasing, repeated refolding, cutting, or
The inventory of all document cases shall be conducted annually
tearing.
by the document examiner who permanently assigned to conduct
inventory/audit by the Chief, QDED. The annual inventory is - The cutting or tearing of evidence tends not only to restrict the
also compiled by year in a hard copy with the name and laboratory examination but also to lessen its value as subsequent
signature who conducted the inventory and should be noted by legal evidence.
the Chief, QDED.
3. Do not carry in pocket for a prolonged period of time or
When forgery is committed, it is important to collate handle excessively
specimens needed to determine whether or not the
- Documents which are carried in the investigator's pocket or
documents alleged to have been forged are products of
handled a great deal often become so worn, frayed, and dirty that
forgery. These known materials needed for comparison
they are seriously damaged. The repeated folding and unfolding,
purposes are STANDARDS, while the alleged forged
the rubbing of the unprotected surface against the sides and
document is the QUESTIONED DOCUMENT.
contents of the pockets, the exposure to perspiration coupled
STANDARDS with the handling by witnesses, investigators, and interested
bystanders all have their destructive effects. The time in which
1. Are condensed, and compact set of authentic specimens
this deterioration occurs is often surprisingly short, and
which is adequate and proper should contain a cross-section
investigators should be continually on guard to keep evidence
of the material from its source.
from being damaged or destroyed in this manner.
2. Two types: Collected and Requested Standards
4. Keep documents in envelopes or protective folders.
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE SELECTION
OF STANDARDS - As has been indicated in the preceding paragraphs, there is a
definite need for documents to be kept in some sort of protective
1. Amount of standards
covering. The most satisfactory type of envelope or covering is a
2. The similarity of subject matter
heavy weight, transparent, cellophane envelope which protects
3. Relatives of the QD and SD
the document from dirt, dust, and wear occasioned by handling.
WHAT ARE THE DO’S AND DON’TS IN COLLECTING
5. Keep dry and away from excessive heat and strong light.
EXEMPLARS
- Exposure to moisture, heat, or light may seriously injure
1. Don’t rely on too little writing.
documents. In extreme cases, when water causes ink writing to
- 15-20 signatures smear or become obliterated, or when paper is charred or burnt
by fire or intense heat, or when sunlight fades the color of an ink,
- 4-5 pages of handwriting the changes are apparent to the eye.
2. Don’t rely exclusively on writing that differs significantly 6. Do not allow anyone except a qualified expert to make
from the questioned one. chemical or other types of tests.
3. Do collect similar samples.
4. Don’t rely on documents recently written if the comparison - All types of tests on inks, typing, or composition of paper, and
documents were written many years ago. any attempts to decipher or restore obliterated and erased
5. Do collect standards dated at approximately the same time writing, should be made by a qualified expert. There are many
as the questioned document. persons, having read slightly and remembered less, who are only
6. Don’t compare writing written under abnormal conditions too willing to attempt to apply their "sure" methods if given a
with normal writing. chance.
7. Do collect documents that duplicate the writing
7. Take documents to laboratory or expert at the earliest
environment.
convenience.
8. Instruct the writer to obtain similar exemplars.
- In practically all handwriting cases there are advantages in
*Specific procedures in the collection of standards will be
taking evidence to the laboratory as soon as possible. Whenever
provided in the finals.
the expert has an opportunity to examine documents which have
The Care and Preservation of Documents in Criminal not been handled a great deal or carried on the person of the
Investigation investigator for an extended period of time or subjected to any of
the other possible mishandlings previously discussed, he will
the following precautions be strictly observed. usually be able to render a more comprehensive and definite
1. Do not mark. report than in cases in which the evidence reaches him in a
a. Do not write upon documents. poorer state of preservation.
- Investigating officers should not write upon any documentary
evidence except possibly as a means of subsequent identification.
Special Precautions in Handling Anonymous Letters
b. Do not use pencils, pens, dividers, or erasers as pointers.
In anonymous letter cases, especially those in which the
- Whenever a group of investigators gathers in a discussion of anonymous author writes a series of letters, the development of
the writing characteristics and contents of A document, there latent fingerprints on these letters may lead to his apprehension
usually is a tendency for some of them to use either pens,
or identification. However, if latent prints are to be successfully burnt charred documents emitted gases capable of recording a
developed, the following rules must be carefully followed. latent image on the photographic emulsion.

Filter Photography. This type of photography, when applicable,

overcomes two of the disadvantages of the contact process, the
Terminology
time element, and the diminishing photographic activity of
3.1 Definitions:
"stale" fragments. The process requires the use of a Wratten #48
3.1.1 bone folder, n—a piece of shaped bone or other material, deep blue filter in conjunction with commercial film.
such as plastic or Teflon, typically used by bookbinders to crease
Infrared Photography. One of the most highly publicized
paper and to separate pieces of paper that are stuck together.
decipherment procedures is infrared photography. However, it is
3.1.2 parylene processing, n—the deposition of a clear polymer
the writer's experience that a large percentage of charred
coating on a document(s) within a vacuum chamber to strengthen
documents fail to yield satisfactory results with this method. In
and stabilize the document(s).
certain specific cases it may produce quite startling results,
3.1.3 polyester film encapsulation, n—a process whereby a especially where the original writing mediums are typewriting,
document is sealed between two sheets of polyester film to pencil, or dense iron-gall ink.
preserve, stabilize, and facilitate handling.
Reflectivity Method. The simplest and yet one of the most
3.1.4 submersion, v—the placement of a document(s) into an versatile decipherment procedures is that in which burnt
appropriate liquid to facilitate cleaning, unfolding, or separation documents are examined by a controlled light source directed at
of the document(s) various angles relative to the paper surface.

3. Terminology Alcohol-Glycerin Immersion Method. Differences in reflectivity

values between various parts of a charred fragment may be
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: accentuated by immersion in certain liquids. Taking advantage of
this phenomenon, Black devised a glycerin-alcohol-water
3.1.1 bone folder, n—a piece of shaped bone or other material,
solution with which he treated and examined hundreds of
such as plastic or Teflon, typically used by bookbinders to crease
valuable documents burned when the American forces recaptured
paper and to separate pieces of paper that are stuck together.
Manila. By this method he was able to decipher over 90% of the
3.1.2 charred documents, n—documents damaged by heat or contents of two safe deposit boxes.
fire.
Silver Nitrate Method. According to H. D. Murray of London
3.1.3 parylene processing, n—the deposition of a clear polymer this technique was first discovered by Superintendent Cherrill of
coating on a document(s) within a vacuum chamber to strengthen Scotland Yard, who used it as a final recourse in case where all
and stabilize the document(s). other methods of decipherment had failed.' To carry out the
process, Cherrill places the carbonized paper on a glass plate
3.1.4 polyester film encapsulation, n—a process whereby a resting at the bottom of an ordinary photographic processing pan.
document is sealed between two sheets of polyester film to
preserve, stabilize, and facilitate handling. Potassiumi, Ferrocyanide Application. A large percentage of the
writing inks in use today contain iron and, even when burned, the
submersion, v—the placement of a document(s) into an iron base ink still retains a residue of iron salts imbedded in the
appropriate liquid to facilitate cleaning, unfolding, or separation paper fibres.
of the document(s).
Fluorescence in Ultraviolet Light. One of the important wartime
developments was originated by Julius Grant' 6 of Great Britain.
Charred Documents, Their Handling and Decipherment: A
Summary of Available Methods for Treating Burnt Papers

Field Investigation. The handling of charred remains must be

carried out with the greatest of care. Some slightly calcinate
fragments may be plyable and fairly impervious to damage,
while others, where a more radical burning has taken place, will
fall apart at the slightest touch.

Most charred documents are found in safes, strong boxes, or like

places of safekeeping, although single documents burned in a
fireplace, stove, or other open area may require decipherment.

Laboratory Treatment. The most difficult part of the operation

begins when the charred material reaches the laboratory. Here the
separation and segregation of the documents takes place. Again it
is found that individual conditions govern the best procedures to
be used. Documents burned in a closed vessel react differently
from those burned in the open air.

Contact Process. Scientists have known for many years that

certain gases and vapors will fog the emulsion of a photographic
plate or film without exposure to light. Davis of the Bureau of
Standards conducted experiments 6 which indicated that recently