NCJ Number
174923
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 1997 Pages: 31-34
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A nondestructive optical method was used to establish the possibility of determining the time sequence in which intersecting ballpoint pen lines and laser-printed marks were placed on a document.
Abstract
The research hypothesized that a successful sequence identification is possible when ballpoint pen marks are made over laser-printed marks, but that the sequence would be inconclusive when laser-printed marks were made over pen lines, due to the alteration or obliteration of the pen ink by the heat or pressure involved in the laser printing process. The research consisted of four tests: verification, educational, experimental, and composition. The main experimental study involved 216 samples. All the pen lines and laser printed material were easily distinguished regardless of the intersection order, through observation of the relative gloss and sheen at the point of intersection. Laser printing over pen lines exhibited a dull, interrupted appearance of the pen line. In contrast, pen lines over laser-printed marks displayed continuity and an appearance of enhanced glossiness at points of intersection. Findings supported Linton Godown's 1963 report of the bright, specular reflection at intersecting points. This approach is an excellent example of how a simple, classic microscopy technique is applicable in the contemporary document examiner's laboratory. Figures, footnotes, and 17 reference notes (Author abstract modified)