Introduction

According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, a document is an original or official paper relied on as the basis, proof, or support (evidence) of something and can convey information.  Generally, documents are produced on paper by electronic and mechanical means.  However, they can also be produced by hand through the use of a variety of instruments.

Background

A questioned document is a document that contains an element of doubtful authenticity or unknown source.  Questioned documents are not necessarily limited to the identification of handwriting and include typewriting, inks, paper, writing instruments, alterations, erasures, and date of writing.  Documents sometimes deal with forgery, counterfeiting, impersonation, blackmail, threats, murder, or other crimes and offenses.  Questioned document cases may impact a person’s wealth, property, possessions, reputation, and even liberty.  For these reasons, the truth about the integrity and authenticity of questioned documents assumes importance.

Course Goal

The goal of this online course is to provide the student with an orientation and overview of questioned documents in regards to forensic science.  This course covers equipment, training, handwriting identification, distortion, disguise, signatures, variation, forged signatures, the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA), and questioned documents in court.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the types of document examinations as a comparison process.
• Identify reference collections and scientific equipment.
• Differentiate between class and individual handwriting characteristics.
• Discuss concepts and techniques of the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) and Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA).
• Appreciate the role of a questioned document examiner as an expert witness.

 Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offering 3.82 ILUs.  Average completion time for the course is 20 hours.  The instructor should be notified if an extension is required.  The course cost is $199 per registration, and a certificate for course completion will be issued to the student.

Public Laboratory Employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001.  A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual for any student that doesn’t access or finish the class in the time allotted.  See below on how to register.

Overview/Subject Matter

1. Overview and Introduction of Questioned Documents
2. Equipment, Training, and Organizations
3. Handwriting Identification
4. Distortion, Disguise, and Samples
5. Signatures and Variations
6. Non-Genuine or Forged Signatures
7. Video Spectral Comparator (VSC)
8. Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)
9. Questioned Documents in Court

Prerequisites

No prerequisites or course materials are required for the course.

Computer Requirements

• Internet Explorer
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Quicktime
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java version 5.0

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started area of the course.)

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.)  The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Materials

All required readings are provided in PDF format.  There is no required text.

FAQs

Q: What tools do I need to have to complete this course?The only tool that you may need is access to a printer. There is an assignment that can be completed on-screen, but you may find it helpful to print it out in order to complete it. Q: Do I qualify for NIJ funding?If you are in any type of forensic public sector, you qualify. NIJ provides funds so that forensic scientists, law enforcement, crime scene personnel, and related professionals can receive proper training. The exceptions are individuals working in the private sector, federally funded employees, and individuals working in academia.Q: Is there a required text?No, however there is a bibliography within the course that provides citations for sources used within the content. For further reading and learning, these references may be of use.
Q: Do I need to be technically savvy?As long as you have basic computer skills (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc) you will be fine. The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.
Q: How long will it take for me to complete the course?On average, the course can be completed in approximately 20 hours. Students work at their own pace and convenience and may work as much or as little as they would like during each session.  The student has until the end of the semester to complete the course, although extensions may be granted upon request.
Q: What level is this course geared toward?This course is an introductory level overview. It is a useful tool for anyone who would like to learn more about questioned document examination or refresh their knowledge.
Q: Who should I contact for more information?Instructor: Dade Chisler, at dade.chisler@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-8533

Registration

Public laboratory employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001.  Please fill out the Supervisor Approval Form and fax or mail it.  No other form is required to register.  Students that submit a Supervisor Approval Form will receive registration confirmation by email showing a charge of $199.  Please disregard this charge if you are a public laboratory employee funded by the NIJ Award.  When WVU Extended Learning receives the Supervisor Approval Form, you will receive class access information by email within 5 business days.  If you are not notified, please contact WVU Extended Learning at (800) 253-2762 or (304) 293-7570.

Refund Policy

A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted.