An Introduction to Forensic Document Examination

Class Title:

An Introduction to Forensic Document Examination

Target Audience:

Sponsoring Agency:

Salem Police Department and OPOA

Date and Time:

Cost:

$150 OPOA Members

$175 Non-members

Training Location:

Salem Police Department

333 Division St. NE

Salem, OR 97301

Instructor:

James A. Green, Forensic Document Examination

Jim Green, has over 30 years of experience, beginning with a 2½ year apprenticeship at the Eugene Police Department.  Upon his retirement from the police department in 2000, he established his full-time private practice.  Casework has taken him to Canada, Belize, Trinidad, Jamaica, as well as other countries and many states within the U.S. 

Mr. Green is certified by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, the only privately examiner so certified in Oregon, and northwestern states.  He maintains active memberships in three professional organizations.  Publications include a chapter in two books and a research paper in the Journal of Forensic Science. 

Brief Overview:

Many investigations may be enhanced with evidence recovered by a Forensic Document Examiner.  Bank robbery demand notes, bomb threats, sexually harassing notes, forged vehicle documents, forged checks or embezzlement records, suicide notes, forged or altered prescriptions, and documents related to homicide investigations are all examples of cases submitted to document examiners

Handwriting, particularly signatures, are the most common type of cases submitted for examination.  However, evidence gathered from other than handwriting are lesser known examination types a document examiner is capable of performing. 

The class will provide insight related to handwriting beyond the surface layer we are familiar with on a daily basis.  Discussions will take place regarding the features of our natural writing, indications of a simulated signature, tracings, and “cut and paste” fabrications.   Additionally, non-handwriting examinations will be explored with information about the laboratory instrumentation used.    

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