Document Examiner

Document Examiner By: Marissa Kuhnsand Emily Kaye

Career Description • The main role of a certified forensic document examiner is to investigate the reliability of a specific text, including checks, contracts, deeds or medical records • Also determine if the document was a commercial printing or photocopy (forged?) • Typically involve comparing the documents in question with substantiated material

Education Needed • An undergraduate or master's degree program from an accredited academic establishment • There is not a specific degree program required for this field; however, a major in forensic science or criminal justice can be helpful • To become certified, the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners requires completion of a 2-year, full-time training program in a forensic laboratory or under an established examiner

How it’s Related to Solving Crimes • If a document is in question can go to many sources (Bank Records, Birth Certificate, Real estate Records etc.) • Help solve crimes by verifying the authenticity of handwritten or typed records

Real-Life Example • The Lindbergh Kidnapping of 1932 • One of the most highly publicized crimes • A child was kidnapped for ransom in the evening and discovered 2 months later • The investigation lasted for 2 years

Lindbergh Kidnapping • The kidnapper wrote a note and left it behind on the windowsill for the father to find • The note read: Dear Sir!Have50.000$ redy25 000$ in20$ bills 15000$ in 10$ bills and10000$ in 5$ bills After 2–4 dayswe will inform you were to deliverthe mony.We warn you for makinganydingpublic or for notify the PoliceThe child is in gut care.Indication for all letters areSingnature (Symbol to right)and three hohls.

Lindbergh Kidnapping • Fingerprints were unable to be taken from the crime scene • Officers could survey postal letterboxes in Brooklyn • A device could be placed inside each letterbox to isolate the letters in sequence as they were dropped in, to help track down anyone who might be tied to the case

Ransom • When the ransom was delivered, the government was involved. • It was packaged in a custom made box in hopes of tracking it down • The bills all had unique serial numbers that they used to track down the suspect further. • Through this technique, they were able to find the killer

Evidence • Supporting evidence was found in the home of the killer including, wood used to make the ladder to kidnap the child, a notebook in which the ransom note was written, and more • The killer was named Bruno Richard Hauptmann and was charged with extortion and murder

Employment Opportunities • Start as a Trainee • Usually become an intern for a forensic document examiner • May have to relocate to another region to seek work • Not in very high demand, however it’s a growing field

Document Examiner Advantages Disadvantages • Paid well once in a position • Help solve crimes in ways others cannot • Have a background in forensics/criminal law if wish to change career • Master’s Degree is recommended, which requires more schooling/money • Not a career that’s in major need right now

Salary of a Document Examiner • $80,662.40 - $98,051.20 Annually • The city of San Francisco lists the salary range for a forensic document examiner with two years of experience from $78,700 to $95,600

Related Careers • Forensic analyst • Trace evidence examiner • Forensic Accountant • Forensic Engineer • Latent Print examiner

Pictures Same signatures prepared by different writers Four signatures written by the same individual, demonstrating variation

Pictures Low skilled vs. high skilled writers

Pictures The handwriting sample from the above slide illustrating Baseline Connecting stroke Height relationships 4. Size

Document Examiner