Questioned Anonymous Writing

Anonymous notes require special steps to preserve the unbiased integrity of the examination.

Obliterated Writing

At top is the entry as it appears on the original document with tape obliterating the entry.  Below it is the entry revealed using transmitted light without damaging the document.

Anonymous notes, threatening letters, and other questions where one or more individuals may be considered the potential author require different handling, particularly in cases involving employees.

Please call us to discuss the best way to gather and submit exemplars to protect privacy while preserving the unbiased integrity of the examination.

Please download our Guidelines for Exemplars to help gather the necessary signatures and handwriting exemplars required for the examination. In general, we will need to see at least 10 to 15 normal course of business genuine signatures (or handwriting, if the question involves handwriting) dated as close in time as possible (before or after) the date on the questioned document.

Some questioned documents may include writing that has been obliterated by tape, opaquing fluid or another ink. The entry can be revealed by various non-destructive techniques in the Rile and Hicks laboratory.