Description
Document, can be defined as any material either movable or immovable, that holds a written, printed or drawn inscription. On the contrary, a questioned document is elucidated as any text or document whose authenticity or legitimacy has been questioned, or is considered to be skeptical. In this course listed as Questioned Document Examination, the students will be taught an introduction about the documents, the categories they are categorized into. In addition, the students will be enlightened about the veracity of the document examination, its application in case solving. The cases broadly considered into the Questioned Document section are: the signature verification, the handwriting verification and examination, the examination of inauthentic computer-generated documents, the examination of printed documents, counterfeit currency.
In simple manner, the entire science of Questioned Document Examination rests on the day by day increasing forgery and foulplay related to documents. The examination generally relates to the documents as agreement, deed, property papers, wills, cheques, and stamps. The document examiner also checks for the presence of any other criminal activity as addition, deletion, insertion or obliteration in the concerned document. The primary concern of a Forensic Document Examiner is to decipher the type of forgery, and thenafter scientifically prepare a report considering the various aspects which are to be taken into account while conducting the examination.
The students will be taught the fundamentals of the handwriting science, the science of handwriting is a nuero-muscular task which involves a proper co-ordination of brain with the muscles. It is due to this fact that-one can copy one’s writing, but this cannot be done with cent-percent accuracy, efficiency and perfection. Even in case of monozygotic/ identical twins, who share similar appearances and genetic structures do not bear the same handwriting. Therefore, this science is competently as reliable as the science of fingerprint.
The parameters that are looked upon during the Questioned Document Examination are generally classified into two:
Class characteristics, as the name itself clarifies, are the characteristics that may remain common to a class of people. The class characteristics include features as: slant, slope, alignment, direction, line quality, size and proportion, spacing, skill of writing, style and connection, pen pressure, pen lifts, pen movement and speed. After a detailed and full-proof examination of class characteristics, an approach towards the individual characteristics should be made.
Individual characteristics, refer to the characteristics which are unique to every individual. Every individual possesses his own writing style, his own way of forming letters in a peculiar manner. Therefore, these characteristics are said to be individual in nature as they bear a tinge of individuality in themselves. The points that are considered in these characteristics are: the i-dot, the t-crossbar and similarly the formation of other alphabets.
After a comprehensive study of the theoretical and the practical aspects of this course, students would feel well-equipped with the ability of deciphering the odd from the genuine.
Level I
MODULE 1 – QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
On several cases, a document is existing that is evidently of a certain means, required to prove the authentic meaning by questioned document examiner. Forensic questioned document analysis will very often involve the study of document, questioned document analysis U/S 463 of IPC, standard exemplars, scientific examination of documents, nature and problem related to documents, the importance of photographic evidence, handling and preservation of questioned and standard exemplars.
MODULE 2 – HANDWRITING
Handwriting is an autonomous and continuous feature of human being. Handwriting is used as the identification of individual as each and every individual has its unique handwriting characteristics. This module covers the basic characteristics feature of handwriting which signifies the individuality of a person. It also include the various factors which affect the handwriting either naturally or intentionally.
MODULE 3 – HANDWRITING EXAMINATION
Examination and comparison of the handwriting is based on some abbreviations by its nature, alignment, arrangement, connections, initial stroke, pen lifts, pen pressure, punctuation, rhythm, shading, size, slope, terminal stroke, tremor and the individual features. It is thoroughly examined during the examination of the writing variations. The typical problems involved in handwriting identification and disguised handwriting are also kept in account while conducting an examination.
MODULE 4 – IDENTIFICATION OF SIGNATURE AND FORGERIES
The students will learn all aspects of signatures, which will enhance their skills in examination and report writing. Introduction to signature identification, genuine signatures, accidental variations- receipt signatures, signatures influenced by alcohol and drugs and illness and old age, forged and distorted / disguised signatures- traced forgeries, simulated forgeries, spurious signatures and spouse’s limitations, identification of the initials and illiterate’s marks, evaluating non original signatures, and forgery by transplanting a genuine signature are the key-points summed up in this module.
MODULE 8 – OTHER TYPES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT AND THEIR EXAMINATION
The other type of questioned documents like Alterations, erasures and obliterations often are certain very important factors in examining documents with the help of light sources, ultra violet light, chemical solvents etc. The module defines the evaluation of editing present in documents, nature of alteration, nature of erasures, types of erasures, nature of obliteration, overwriting and insertions.
Level II
MODULE 1 – QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
On several cases, a document is existing that is evidently of a certain means, required to prove the authentic meaning by questioned document examiner. Forensic questioned document analysis will very often involve the study of document, questioned document analysis U/S 463 of IPC, standard exemplars, scientific examination of documents, nature and problem related to documents, the importance of photographic evidence, handling and preservation of questioned and standard exemplars.
MODULE 2 – HANDWRITING
Handwriting is an autonomous and continuous feature of human being. Handwriting is used as the identification of individual as each and every individual has its unique handwriting characteristics. This module covers the basic characteristics feature of handwriting which signifies the individuality of a person. It also include the various factors which affect the handwriting either naturally or intentionally.
MODULE 3 – HANDWRITING EXAMINATION
Examination and comparison of the handwriting is based on some abbreviations by its nature, alignment, arrangement, connections, initial stroke, pen lifts, pen pressure, punctuation, rhythm, shading, size, slope, terminal stroke, tremor and the individual features. It is thoroughly examined during the examination of the writing variations. The typical problems involved in handwriting identification and disguised handwriting are also kept in account while conducting an examination.
MODULE 4 – IDENTIFICATION OF SIGNATURE AND FORGERIES
The students will learn all aspects of signatures, which will enhance their skills in examination and report writing. Introduction to signature identification, genuine signatures, accidental variations- receipt signatures, signatures influenced by alcohol and drugs and illness and old age, forged and distorted / disguised signatures- traced forgeries, simulated forgeries, spurious signatures and spouse’s limitations, identification of the initials and illiterate’s marks, evaluating non original signatures, and forgery by transplanting a genuine signature are the key-points summed up in this module.
MODULE 5 – WRITING/PRINTING INSTRUMENTS AND EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS PRODUCED
Alterations, erasures and obliterations often are certain very important factors in examining documents with the help of light sources, ultra violet light, chemical solvents etc. The module defines the evaluation of editing present in documents, nature of alteration, nature of erasures, types of erasures, nature of obliteration, overwriting and insertions.
MODULE 6 – OTHER TYPES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT AND THEIR EXAMINATION
The other type of questioned documents like Alterations, erasures and obliterations often are certain very important factors in examining documents with the help of light sources, ultra violet light, chemical solvents etc. The module defines the evaluation of editing present in documents, nature of alteration, nature of erasures, types of erasures, nature of obliteration, overwriting and insertions.
MODULE 7 – SECURITY FEATURES IN DIFFERENT TYPE OF DOCUMENTS
Due to some reasons like identity theft, frauds, money laundrying, monetary gaining etc., there are much authentic documents fraudulently altered and forged. This module includes all vital aspects of security features in various documents, such as – PAN card, TAN card, voter ID card, driving license, UID aadhar card, passport, stamp and e-stamp paper, bankers cheque, QR code and Bar code and identification features of Indian and other currency
MODULE 8 – TECHNIQUE AND INSTRUMENT USED IN DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
This module deals with the various non-destructive and destructive technique and instrument used in document examination such as Magnifying Glass/Lens, Scales, Camera Microscope, Stereomicroscope, Comparison Microscope, Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA), Visible Light, Ultra-Violet and Infra-Red Rays, Chromatography, Spectrometry. During document examination the most preferred techniques are non-destructive techniques as it will not create any kind of alteration in questioned document.
Level III
MODULE 1 – QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
On several cases, a document is existing that is evidently of a certain means, required to prove the authentic meaning by questioned document examiner. Forensic questioned document analysis will very often involve the study of document, questioned document analysis U/S 463 of IPC, standard exemplars, scientific examination of documents, nature and problem related to documents, the importance of photographic evidence, handling and preservation of questioned and standard exemplars.
MODULE 2 – PHOTOGRAPHY OF DOCUMENT
Photographs are considered to be the most relevant evidence in cases which deals with the examination of documents found on either usual surfaces or on unusual surfaces like writings or any other textual material found on walls, or on mirrors etc. Hence this module include the photographic techniques used for the examination of identification. Different photographic techniques including oblique light photography, transmitted light photography, ultraviolet photography, infrared photography and photography using lasers are applied for photographing the writings found on conventional surfaces like on paper, books, boards etc.
MODULE 3 – HANDWRITING
Handwriting is an autonomous and continuous feature of human being. Handwriting is used as the identification of individual as each and every individual has its unique handwriting characteristics. This module covers the basic characteristics feature of handwriting which signifies the individuality of a person. It also include the various factors which affect the handwriting either naturally or intentionally.
MODULE 4 – HANDWRITING EXAMINATION
Examination and comparison of the handwriting is based on some abbreviations by its nature, alignment, arrangement, connections, initial stroke, pen lifts, pen pressure, punctuation, rhythm, shading, size, slope, terminal stroke, tremor and the individual features. It is thoroughly examined during the examination of the writing variations. The typical problems involved in handwriting identification and disguised handwriting are also kept in account while conducting an examination.
MODULE 5 – IDENTIFICATION OF SIGNATURE AND FORGERIES
The students will learn all aspects of signatures, which will enhance their skills in examination and report writing. Introduction to signature identification, genuine signatures, accidental variations- receipt signatures, signatures influenced by alcohol and drugs and illness and old age, forged and distorted / disguised signatures- traced forgeries, simulated forgeries, spurious signatures and spouse’s limitations, identification of the initials and illiterate’s marks, evaluating non original signatures, and forgery by transplanting a genuine signature are the key-points summed up in this module.
MODULE 6 – PAPER AND INK ANALYSIS
The paper and ink analysis plays a very important role in the examination of the questioned documents. This module focusses on the examination of the paper and ink which is helpful in the estimation of the age of the document. Different types of inks are available which is used for the purpose of writing and are formed by the mixture of various chemicals.
MODULE 7 – WRITING/PRINTING INSTRUMENTS AND EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS PRODUCED
From painting walls to chiseling the walls with stone, evolution has occurred even in the instruments of writing. Modern form of writing instruments include pen, pencil, chalk, crayons, etc. that have characteristic features of itself affecting the style of the writer. The approach for the examination of both handwritten (by forms of pen and pencil) and computer-generated documents like typewritten, printed, photocopied, fax or scanned, require extensive knowledge of the origin and trends of the various instruments and machines that were introduced till the time. This module include the various type instrument used for the examination of document either printed or written.
MODULE 8 – OTHER TYPES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT AND THEIR EXAMINATION
The other type of questioned documents like Alterations, erasures and obliterations often are certain very important factors in examining documents with the help of light sources, ultra violet light, chemical solvents etc. The module defines the evaluation of editing present in documents, nature of alteration, nature of erasures, types of erasures, nature of obliteration, overwriting and insertions.
MODULE 9 – PRINTING TECHNOLOGY
This mail will introduce the methods of pre-examination evaluation, examination procedures, examination of original and photocopied document, and identification of printed document.
Printing machines have multiple identification marks of the printing procedures such as drum, high speed mainframe line, drum and chain printers, typewriter technology printers like type ball and daisy wheel. Dot matrix printers, have multiple pins to strike the paper through ribbon for transferring the printing ink. In the dot matrix printing process, if pins are damaged or not adequate in nature they leave multiple marks on the document. These marks play a vital role in identifying the particular printing machine.
Due to the frequently produced print in inkjet printing technology, somewhat the unkempt marks become easy to view. However, the inkjet printed documents are easy to differentiate on the basis of their printing. The module will also introduce you to the monochrome and color laser/ led printers, photocopiers, analysis of photocopies, identifying individual photocopiers, facsimile machines, manipulated faxes and fax machine defects.
MODULE 10 – TYPOGRAPHY AND CHECK WRITER
Typography is the art and technique of arranging letters and characters. This module will help the scholars in learning about anatomy of font which includes parts of type, type of classification, measuring font size and line spacing, factors affecting typographic line spacing and many more. This module also covers the check writers, which is a device designed to print perforate, shred embose and other relevant information onto a cheque.
MODULE 11 – SECURITY FEATURES IN DIFFERENT TYPE OF DOCUMENTS
Due to some reasons like identity theft, frauds, money laundering, monetary gaining etc., there are much authentic documents fraudulently altered and forged. This module includes all vital aspects of security features in various documents, such as – PAN card, TAN card, Voter ID card, Driving License, Aadhar Card, Passport, Stamp and e-stamp paper, Bankers Cheque, QR code and Bar code and identification features of Indian and other currency
MODULE 12 – ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING DOCUMENTS VERIFICATION
It will introduce the students to anti money laundering documents such as- bank statements, Form-16, income Tax Return, voter ID card, salary slip, driving license, pan card, ration card, passport, telephone bill, electricity bill etc.
MODULE 13 – ART FORGERY
In this module the student will aware about different types of forgery that are generally committed in the art world. The forgery in the art world includes copying the style of painting of famous artist, the false making of different sculptures and statutes, and vending un-authorized work of the artist to the dealers. There are numerous scientific techniques available which are frequently used by the experts for analysis of such forgeries and helps the experts in establishing the authenticity of questioned paintings. Few of them are like Dendrochronology, Carbon-dating, white lead dating and craquelure etc. helps in determining the approximate age of the painting and other advanced techniques including X ray, atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductive coupled plasma – mass spectroscopy, etc. are used to determine the elemental anomalies in the given painting. Now a day’s expert uses certain computational based tools like Digital Authentication and wavelet decomposition techniques which involve the digital analysis of the frequency of brush strokes, width and texture to determine the authenticity of an art work.
MODULE 14 – TECHNIQUE AND INSTRUMENT USED IN DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
This module deals with the various non-destructive and destructive technique and instrument used in document examination such as Magnifying Glass/Lens, Scales, Camera Microscope, Stereomicroscope, Comparison Microscope, Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA), Visible Light, Ultra-Violet and Infra-Red Rays, Chromatography, Spectrometry. During document examination the most preferred techniques are non-destructive techniques as it will not create any kind of alteration in questioned document.
Evaluation
The evaluation process varies depending upon the course you enroll for, likewise: if you are enrolled for Certification, you will be allotted few assignment during the session of the course, which you are deemed to complete within the 10 ten days after the assigned date. In Diploma and PG Diploma, after the completion of the assignment during the sessions of the course; a project-work is assigned during the last quarter of the course duration, which you have to complete within the time given.
Examination
The mode of examination will be online for all the online enrolled students. After the completion of the respective course duration, a username and password would be generated for all the enlisted students. The username and the password would be mailed to every student prior to the date allotted for the examination to be held, and accordingly they would be requested by the concerned authorities to check their mails, so that they could use the specified details in order to give their exams on our online examination portal on the allocated date and time.
Result
The complete correction and evaluation takes about two weeks. After the evaluation process is finally done, the mark sheets and certificates are posted on to the postal address of every student, but only after verifying their postal addresses as mentioned on the submitted application forms. Therefore, the students are always requested to mention their correct and complete address on their application form, in order to avoid further confusion and disappointment.
Now a days Forensic Science stands in very broad manner with multiple sub-fields. Questioned Document is one of the major and prime sub-fields of Forensic Science, which offers a myriad career opportunities to the keen aspirants. After a thorough theoretical and practical sessions provided under this course, the student would be able to gain the capability to apprehend the specific document examination-verification, and the techniques associated with the comparison of a forgery from the genuine writing sample. After completing this course, a student has innumerable options for grooming one’s career, some of them are listed below:
>> Student can be appointed as Questioned Document Examiner in the Document Division of Central and various State Laboratories.
>> Student can practice as a self-employed Questioned Document Expert, and present oneself in any Indian Court of Law under Section 45 of Indian Evidence Act (IEA).
>> Student can be appointed as a faculty/ trainer of Questioned Document in the various institutes.
>> A student can even opt to accomplish career options in Document division of various corporate sectors.
Educational Qualification to set a career in Questioned Document Examination
First level course of the Questioned Document Examination is a Certification Programme. The advantage of this course is, any students can set their career in Questioned Document Science no matter they belong from any discipline like Science, Commerce or Arts. Questioned Document Examination courses are also available for the Arts and Science background graduate level students who are interested to start their career from master level programme in the respective investigating science. For those students, who are opting for their Doctorate degree can choose one of the branches/ traits of Questioned Document for their further research and study.
Law students and professional both can do Certification, Diploma Course and P.G. Diploma course offered in Forensic Science.
Sectors in Questioned Document Examination
Job prospects for Questioned Document Examiners are in Private Sectors, Government Sectors, Law enforcement agencies, Forensic labs; Government and Private Laboratories. Various jobs are offered in the field of Forensic Science for those students who hold ample qualification in the related fields.
Alternate job besides Criminal Investigation is teaching with abundant opportunity to upheld one’s career by imparting education.
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- What is Questioned Document Examination?
Questioned Document Examination is all about making the students understand the fundamentals, principles and application of the science of writing in the criminal investigation. This subject would acquaint the students with the various crimes involving the documents, the types of forgery, their features, techniques of identifying them and establishing the authenticity of various computer generated documents using different visualization, physical and chemical techniques.
- What is the course content of FSP 103?
The course Questioned Document Examination (FSP103) includes all about introduction of documents as per law. Course will introduce you to interactive training session and practicals on the scientific and technical methods involved in deciphering the type of forgery to the scientific submission of opinion into the court-room.
- What is the course duration of Certificate, Diploma and PG Diploma courses?
All online courses are divided into three certifications i.e. Certificate course for three months, Diploma course for six months and PG Diploma for one year.
- What qualification is required to be eligible for the above-mentioned courses?
If you are looking for Certificate and Diploma courses, you must have completed your 10+2 or appearing in any discipline from Recognized Board/ School and for PG Diploma course graduation will be required. In the admission process, self-attested mark-sheets and certificates of the previous school/college and transfer certificate along with 2 passport size photographs will be required from the student.
- Where can I register for online education courses?
We provide online application form for all online students. To download application, form click on https://www.sifs.in/application-form.php
- When will I receive my study materials, books etc.?
After the completion of your admission process and payment of fee, the students enrolled for online courses will receive a username and password to access our online study portal within 10-15 working days through mail on their mail ID which is mentioned on the application form. In addition to the online study portal, student will also receive hardcopy of related course materials on the mentioned address by courier or post within 15 working days.
- What about exams and course credits?
In the last month of your course, we will conduct your online exam. All details regarding your exam will sent to you on the mail ID provided by you and the course credits differs according to course code and divided into assignment, project and exam.
- How do I get my certificate/mark-sheet, when I have completed my exams?
You will receive your mark-sheet and certificate within a month on your mentioned address by courier or post.
- Which is the best mode of education?
Both Online and Regular are good modes of education.
- Where do I find out what courses are being offered online?
We provide all information’s on the website – https://www.sifs.in/online-forensic-science-courses.php
- Although my degree is in an unrelated field of study, I have taken quite a few science courses. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes. You are eligible for this Questioned Document Examination (FSP103), if you have completed or if you are pursuing your 10+2 or graduation in any discipline from a Recognized Board/ School/ College.
- What is the scope and career of forensic education and related courses?
Forensic Science offers a wide range of opportunity to the students aspiring to make their careers as Forensic Scientists and Investigators. With a sense of keen observation and the ability of seeing the unseen are a few traits that would promise the aspiring students to make a colourful career in the wonderful arena of Forensic.
- Should I pay any extra fee for examination, study materials etc.?
No. Your course fee includes Study materials, Books, Notes, I-Card, Examination Fee and all other governmental taxes. You are not required to pay any extra amount. Summer training and practical sessions will be payable for online and regular students.
- What will I get after joining online course?
You will get User-ID and password to access online study portal within next 7-10 working days after your admission. Study materials, notes and books related to your course and ID-card will be sent on the address mentioned by you, either by courier or post within 15 working days.
- How can I pay my course fee by credit card in USD?
Indian Students may use Universal Currency Converter from http://www.xe.com/ucc/ to pay fee in other currencies, or International students visit this link – https://www.sifs.in/online-fee.php to check out the fee structure. You can pay your course fee from here – https://www.sifsindia.com/payment/.
- Why is training important?
Training is a vital part of online and regular students. It is intended to provide students with the opportunity to place theories into practicals. It is also very helpful to develop their skills that support professional life by preparing and encouraging them to apply their abilities and knowledge acquired through study in a work later on. So, even before the students completed their course they are trained to be job-ready, therefore increasing the student’s employment prospects.
- What is the best route to prepare for a career as a forensic scientist?
SIFS INIDA provides professional course Questioned Document Examination (FSP103) to acquire knowledge from the basics. The course interest attribute to up-showing television shows focused on law enforcement and forensics. Subject offers the opportunity to grow your career in many sub disciples.
- I am interested in a career in this field. Where do I start?
In order to initiate a career into this field, you should have a zeal and urge to unveil the veiled. A certificate, diploma and PG diploma course would help you groom your knowledge theoretically as well as practically, thereby ensuring a safe and secure career.
- Where will I work?
You may avail opportunities as a Questioned Document Examiner in the Document Division of Central as well as various State Government Labs. You can also practice as a Private Forensic Questioned Document Examiner and present yourself in any Indian Court of Law as an Expert Witness under Section 45 of Indian Evidence Act.
- What are the other specialized forensic science careers outside the crime laboratory?
Other than working in the Crime Laboratory, you can also be appointed as a Crime Scene Investigator in Police Stations or you can also be appointed as an Investigator for the Mobile Forensic Laboratory.
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- Elizabethan Play Case StudyIn 1795 a Mr. Ireland brought forward what he claimed to be a new version of “Kynge Leare” which was allegedly written by William Shakespeare himself. In 1796, Edward Malone published a refutation of this document. Mr. Malone had discovered that the questioned manuscript contained pages with twenty different watermarks. He reasoned that an author of Shakespeare’s caliber who was also famous and affluent at the time Lear was written, would have gone to a papermaker and secured as much paper of one type as was needed for his work. But someone who wanted to forge an Elizabethan play 200 years later would ferret out such scraps of old paper as he could – from the flyleaves and blank pages of old manuscripts. Indeed, in 1805 the forger wrote his confession and admitted that he had done exactly that. He had paid a bookseller to let him cut out blank pages from the older volumes in his shop.
- Oliver Will CaseIn the 1920’s the Oliver Will case was tried in White Plains, New York. The question revolved around the date on which the will was written. A legal form which had the date and name and address of its printer at the top was used for the will, but a piece of the document which showed the date had been torn away. There were two possibilities for the date of the form – January 8, 1924, or October 8, 1924. The date of the alleged will was September 20, 1924, so the only form that could have been used was the one printed earlier in the year. Upon close examination it was found that in tearing away the dated portion of the form, the tail of the comma in the address was still visible, and the position on the paper of that comma tail proved that the form could not have been the January 8th form. The questioned will was therefore written on a form that did not exist on the date it was allegedly prepared.
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