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Initial Advice for Those Instructing |
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Initial contact For a number of practical and ethical reasons, instruction is not accepted from private individuals but is accepted only directly from members of the legal profession, law enforcement agencies, investigators, banks, companies etc. An initial telephone discussion of the issues of the case is always advantageous, indeed encouraged and is offered on a free of charge basis so that a general outline of the case can be given and the relevance of potential examinations can then be raised and discussed. The forensic document examiner can offer assistance with a variety of document investigations to clarify the status of the questioned document in addition, perhaps, to the obvious salient points as seen by those instructing. Estimate of costs Sight of copies of the questioned documents is required (even faxes may be of assistance if the matter is urgent) so that the basic nature of the questioned documents can be ascertained. Generally, from these copies, a free of charge estimate of costs can be given in writing for examination and the preparation of a formal report on findings. Estimates are based on the number of hours required and are therefore dependent on the complexity of the matter and determination of the appropriate examinations to be applied. Naturally, original documents are required for examination. Legal Aid work is regularly undertaken, as is Single Joint Expert casework for which training has been completed. Documents and materials required Original documents are required for examination in most instances although photocopies can on occasions be of some value. Often, those holding original documents are reluctant to part with the same even for forensic examination. With over 29 years of experience of obtaining originals from various parties, organisations etc, advice can be given as to how best to obtain originals from a third party. Undertakings for the safekeeping, preservation and return of documents are regularly prepared. In cases where originals have been lost or destroyed, the examinations may be undertaken on good quality copies but will probably reduce the effectiveness of the process which in turn can lead to a limitation on opinions offered. Clearly certain areas of examination cannot be undertaken on copies, e.g. the examination for impressed or handwritten guidelines (i.e. traced forgeries), assessment of pen pressure variation etc. It should be noted that the presentation of a photocopy does not necessarily mean that an original in the same form has ever existed. Certain examinations of copies can be made which may reveal evidence of photocopy manipulation by way of transposing signatures, letterheadings etc from one (genuine) document onto a subsequent photocopy montage or scanned images lifted from one document and transposed onto a further document. Once the requirements for the examinations are established, a detailed outline of what documentation, comparison signatures, comparison handwritings, typewriting samples etc will be required can be given and how such samples can be obtained. Lists of potential sources of comparison documentation can be given and if required, how specimens should be taken or obtained. Report preparation deadlines and turn around time An estimated turn around time for any case will be given at the outset. This varies from time to time dependent upon casework and court commitments. However, a prime objective of the Practice is to assist those instructing within their required time framework and consequently reports, if urgently required, are completed to the client's requirement where practicable or an alternative timescale identified.
[Forensic Examiner Home] Copyright © 2003-2008 Robert W. Radley. All Rights Reserved. |
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