Choosing an Expert

Forensic document examination is a specialist discipline, and the experience, training and approach of the expert can have a significant impact on the reliability and usefulness of the evidence.

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When selecting an expert to examine disputed handwriting, signatures or documents, you may wish to consider the following:

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• Whether the individual has formal training and experience as a forensic document examiner, rather than training in graphology, which is a different discipline.

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• Whether any qualifications or certifications listed have been awarded by recognised organisations, are relevant to forensic document examination, and have general acceptance within the field.

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• Whether the expert undertakes the full range of forensic document examinations, including handwriting and signature comparison, ink and printing analysis, and the examination of documents for alterations, indented impressions of writing and security features.

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• Whether the work will be peer-reviewed before the final report is released and provided in the form of a relevant court-compliant report.

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• Whether the expert has a relevant scientific or forensic educational background that supports their understanding of examination methods and limitations.

 

• Whether the expert is willing to attend court to provide evidence and undergo cross-examination, if required.

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• Whether you have been provided with a detailed quotation for the work, together with terms of business.

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At QDE, our experts have undertaken comprehensive, laboratory-based training programmes in forensic document examination, lasting at least two years and covering all aspects of the discipline. Training was provided in person by senior forensic document examiners with extensive casework experience. Our findings are subject to an internal peer-review process prior to finalisation.