Document Examiner

By: Marissa Kuhns and Emily Kaye

Career DescriptionThe 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 ExampleThe Lindbergh

Kidnapping of 1932One of the most highly

publicized crimesA 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!Have 50.000$ redy 25 000$ 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 makinganyding public or for notify the PoliceThe child is in gut care.Indication for all letters areSingnature (Symbol to right)and three hohls.

Lindbergh KidnappingFingerprints 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

RansomWhen 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

EvidenceSupporting 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 OpportunitiesStart as a TraineeUsually 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

Advantages 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

Document Examiner

Disadvantages

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

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examinerForensic AccountantForensic EngineerLatent Print

examiner

PicturesSame 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 1. Baseline2. Connecting

stroke3. Height

relationships4. Size