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have in their possession a number of counterfeit checks, cards, and IDs in many
different names. In most cases like this, the arresting officer or investigator finds the
evidence. Here he assumes the role of crime-scene technician. In this role he must
have the basic knowledge and skills of a crime-scene technician. The responsibility is
solely his for ensuring that he does not contaminate the evidence, that accurate
records are made of what and where evidence was found, and that the evidence is
properly packaged for transport to the laboratory. If he fails in any of these areas, the
case could be dismissed.
How Can a Forensic Examiner Provide Assistance?
The forensic examiner provides assistance to the investigator and the investigation in
many different ways. First, as we have said, he must work closely with the investigator
to help him understand the needs of the laboratory just as he must understand the
needs of the investigator. How is this accomplished? By:
© 2000 by CRC Press LLC
• The forensic examiner taking part in the basic training of the investigator at
the police academy
• Conducting personal tours of the laboratory for investigators
• Sitting down with the investigator after the forensic examination is complete
to explain the examinations performed on the evidence submitted and the
meaning of the report results; the forensic examiner can answer questions the
investigator may have concerning why the examinations were performed and
how the results of those examinations can assist in his investigation
• Building a mutual professional working relationship between forensic exam-
iner and investigator so neither one feels threatened by the other
Both the forensic examiner and the investigator must understand the limits imposed
by the law and the application of science as it applies to the examined evidence in each
case. Establishing a professional respect for the training and abilities of the other is
critical.
Back to our example case, we will assume the apprehension of the criminals in
our story took place in a bank. The teller and branch manager recognized that the
documents presented were not genuine or were certainly suspicious. The bank man-
ager contacted the police, who responded quickly to the call. After their arrival at the
bank, the police detained and searched the suspects. During the search, the investiga-
tor found additional documents, checks, cards, and IDs. He suspected that they, too,
were counterfeit and properly recorded all of the evidence, preserving it by placing it
in protective envelopes or bags. Our suspects were arrested at the scene and trans-
ported to the police station for further questioning.
At the station, the investigator stopped by the Questioned Document Laboratory
to consult with the Questioned Document Examiner on duty. They reviewed the
seized evidence and completed the necessary paper work to submit the evidence for
examination. The investigator learned from the examiner what else he may need to
ensure that they have the best evidence available for examination purposes. This type
of consultation between investigator and scientist should be the norm rather than the
exception. The examiner provides assistance to the investigator, not because he is an
advocate for any position, but because his only interest is in having the best available
evidence for examination.
The forensic scientist must be impartial at all times. The examiner cannot do
anything that will be interpreted as his favoring either side or being influenced by
information developed during the course of the investigation. If the examiner is not
impartial, his work could result in a mistake being made that results in casting
suspicion on an innocent person. A forensic scientist who is not impartial or who
demonstrates the least bit of favoritism toward one side or the other will not have the
respect of those for whom he works or his peers.
Identifying the wrong person or the equipment used to commit a crime is an
intolerable result. Mistakes have been made and do occur, in spite of all the checks and
balances in the system. The ultimate goal is to have no mistakes, but because the
ultimate is not a realistic possibility, the more realistic goal is to keep mistakes to an
absolute minimum.
© 2000 by CRC Press LLC
Forensic Specialists Most Frequently
Used in a Financial Crime Case
Documents are the evidence items usually developed in white-collar crime cases such
as financial fraud. Equipment such as computers, scanners, printers, magnetic stripe
readers/encoders, software, etc. are generally found in either or both the counterfeit-
ing or finishing plants. For example, the counterfeit payment card is fabricated at a
counterfeiting plant, and from there it may go to a finishing plant where the following
additions to the card are made:
• Access information, account number, cardholder name, special embossed
logos, etc. are embossed and data encoded on the magnetic stripe of the card
or ID.
• OVDs, overlays, signature panels, etc. are applied to the card or ID.
• The person who will be using the ID is photographed, or they bring or send
a photograph to the finishing plant, where it is attached to the ID.
In the case of our criminals, they were buying, making, and using documents for their
criminal activity. Those arrested were mules having completed counterfeit docu-
ments in their possession. In this type of case, the forensic scientists most frequently
examining this type of evidence are Forensic Questioned Document Examiners and
Fingerprint Specialists. Another specialist that may be retained for assistance is the
Forensic Ink Chemist (FIC). When forensic ink analysis is required, as it sometimes
is, a specialist in forensic ink chemistry conducts the examinations and tries to answer
questions posed by the investigator. Depending upon the questions asked and the
available evidence, he may be able to render a conclusive determination. Occasionally [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]