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Radiography and Passport Examinations

NCJ Number
125183
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 25-37
Author(s)
J Harris
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Radiography can be used to assist in the examination of passports suspected of being altered.
Abstract
Radiographic techniques were developed to demonstrate concealed alterations on passports. The Porta Ray X-ray system produced radiographs of genuine passports as well as altered passports demonstrating altered recessed window panels, photo substitutions, and page substitutions. Electronography was used to examine questioned watermarks possibly produced by the dandy roll method, mould-made method, or chemical application to surface of passport page. Radiography offers the advantage of non-destructive examination of suspect passports, while allowing evidence to remain as close to its original condition as possible for further examination by a defense expert. 7 references, 15 figures and photographs. (Author abstract modified)