Handwriting/Forgery Devices

infrared spectroscopes

determines if more than one type of ink was used, based on wavelengths of light absorbed and reflected by each type of ink

Biometric Signature Pads

programmed to evaluate the speed, pressure, and rhythm of a person's signature and are able to recognize how a person writes so that it can easily detect differences and recognize forgeries

FISH (Forensic Information System for Handwriting)

computerized database maintained by the Secret Service, where a handwriting sample can be scanned and compared

Video Spectral Comparator

analyzes inks to see whether they are the same or different, can uncover layers in documents where words have been scribbled out or written over

Infrared Reflectance

used to show the residue of pencil marks

Thin Layered Chromatography

separates and leaves a unique pattern for each ink for identification

Electrostatic Detection Device

can detect indented impressions that can't be seen with the naked eye