Handwriting Analysis Like Fingerprints every persons handwriting is

Handwriting Analysis �Like Fingerprints, every person’s handwriting is unique and personalized �Handwriting is difficult to disguise or forge �Questioned documents are compared to exemplars to determine matches Exemplars- prewritten handwriting samples from a suspect(s) We look for 12 characteristics in handwriting

Handwriting Examination 1. Obtain a known sample of the suspect’s writing (an exemplar) 2. Examine the questionable document for detectable traits and record them 3. Compare and draw conclusions: Two writings came from one person if: Multiple unique similarities (“same quirks”) No unexplainable differences

1. Line Quality �Do the letters flow or are they erratic and shaky?

2. Spacing �Are letters equally spaced or crowded? �Are margins evenly spaced?

3. Consistency �Is the ratio of height to width consistent?

4. Continuous �Is the writing continuous or does the writer lift the pen/pencil?

5. Connecting Letters �Are the capital and lowercase letters connected and continuous?

6. Letters Complete �Are letters completely formed? a letter missing? Or, is part of

7. Cursive and Printed Letters �Are there printed letters, cursive letters, or both?

8. Pen Pressure �Is pressure equal when applied to upward and downward strokes?

9. Slant �Left, right, or variable?

10. Line Habits �Is the text on the line, above the line, or below the line?

11. Fancy Curls or Loops �Are there fancy loops? �Any other distinguishing features?

12. Diacritic Marks: Crosses on t’s & Dots on i’s �Are t’s crossed? t’s crossed in middle, toward top, or toward bottom �Are i’s dotted? Dotted toward left, toward right, or centered

Handwriting Analysis Technology � Biometric Signature Pads “Learns” how a person signs Evaluates speed, pressure, and rhythm Recognizes even slight differences � Computerized Analysis Compares handwriting samples objectively Can detect smaller similarities/differences