HOW TO SELECT A DOCUMENT EXAMINER
Thomas W. Vastrick
Forensic Document Examiner
Forensic consultants are hired to assist in determining the facts in a matter and, if necessary, explain technical information to the judge or jury in a clear and convincing matter. Obtaining the services of a well trained, experienced document examiner insures that a full spectrum of examinations will be conducted with the best of modern equipment, technology and techniques which results in complete, accurate findings, a professional report, and a confident (and competent) witness.
So how can one select a document examiner that is well trained and experienced?
Training
The most important factor to look for in a document examiner is the training program which they completed. The accepted standard in this field is a two-year, full-time training program conducted in person. There are many actual training programs that provide appropriate training but the common thread among all such training programs is the combination of covering all aspects of forensic document examination, providing time to study the various text books available, examine numerous prepared cases, examine many actual live cases, participate in numerous moot court training sessions, and having all work product constantly reviewed by experienced document examiners. A listing of what should be included in a training program can be found in a booklet called Objectives For Training which is available from the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, 7887 San Felipe Suite 122, Houston, TX 77063.
Certification
There are many organizations that offer “certification” to almost anyone. But, there is only one board recognized by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. It is the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE). What does the ABFDE offer that other so called boards do not? First, the ABFDE requires the completion of a full-time, two-year training program. Second, the ABFDE requires a college degree. Third, the ABFDE requires the successful completion of an extensive three-part test. Finally, the ABFDE requires the successful completion of an extensive three-part test.
When looking for a forensic document examiner insist on a diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners. A list of ABFDE certified examiners can be obtained from the ABFDE (the address is listed above or call (713) 784-9537). Do not be fooled by organizations with similar names.
Research Organizations
Well-trained, experienced forensic document examiners will be active participants in quality research organizations. National organizations that maintain rigid membership requirements consistent with the ABFDE are the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, The Questioned Document Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences. In addition, there are some excellent regional organizations such as the Southeastern Association of Forensic Document Examiners, the Southwestern Association of Forensic Document Examiners and the Midwestern Association of Forensic Sciences.
Many of these organizations maintain a list of forensic document examiners in private practice. These lists can be found at the ASQDE home page. Selecting a forensic document examiner from any of the lists provided at this site will insure that you are consulting with a well-trained, experienced examiner who will provide an objective examination and provide you a detailed and accurate report.
Ask Questions
Don’t be hesitant to interview a forensic document examiner prior to making a selection. Ask specific questions about training. Was the training conducted in person each and every day or was it via correspondence? How long was the training? Are they certified? By whom? What are the certification requirements? Do they require a minimum of two years of training? Have they attended meetings and workshops at least once a year on a regular basis? Have they written or had published any original research papers? Do they believe or have they been trained in “graphology” (the alleged ability to determine personality from handwriting)? What kind of equipment do they have?
You deserve the best available consultant. Guarantee that kind of quality by selecting a document examiner certified by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners such as Thomas W. Vastrick.