1、Designation: E2285 08Standard Guide forExamination of Mechanical Checkwriter Impressions1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2285; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number
2、 in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This guide provides procedures for examinations thatshould be used by forensic document examiners (Guide E444)for examinations and comparison
3、s involving mechanicalcheckwriters and their impressions (exclusive of rubber stampcheckwriter impressions or computer generated checkwriterimpressions).1.2 These procedures are applicable whether the examina-tion(s) and comparison(s) are of questioned and known itemsor of exclusively questioned ite
4、ms.1.3 These procedures include evaluation of the sufficiencyof the material available for examination.1.4 The particular methods employed in a given case willdepend upon the nature and sufficiency of the material avail-able for examination.1.5 This guide may not cover all aspects of particularlyunu
5、sual or uncommon examinations.1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory requiremen
6、ts prior to use.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E444 Guide for Scope of Work of Forensic DocumentExaminersE1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic ScienceE2195 Terminology Relating to the Examination of Ques-tioned Documents3. Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms in this Guide
7、, referto Terminology E1732 and Terminology E2195.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 blemish, na small extraneous spot found near inkedregions of checkwriter impressions that is characteristic ofmachines that use ribbons as their ink source.3.2.2 checkwriter, na device manually
8、 or electrically pow-ered or computer generated, designed to ink, emboss, print,perforate, or shred a monetary value, along with other periph-eral information, onto a document.3.2.3 impression, nan image formed by pressure on thedocument.3.2.4 impression format, nthe manner in which the paperis embo
9、ssed or shredded.3.2.5 individual prefix, na prefix especially designed for aparticular customer.3.2.6 payee perforator, nan optional device on a check-writer that perforates or shreds a pattern above the numericimpression region for the purpose of protecting the payee entryfrom alteration.3.2.7 per
10、foration, npenetration through the document.3.2.8 platen, na bar-shaped object that pushes the paperstock against the typeface and provides the pressure necessaryto obtain an impression.3.2.9 prefix, nthe portion of the checkwriter impressionlocated immediately to the left of the numeric value.3.2.1
11、0 printing element, nthe parts of the total checkwriterimpression that are not parts of the prefix which may encom-pass the currency type, decimal points, and commas.3.2.11 ribbon shift, vthe movement of a multi-coloredinking ribbon allowing for a change in color to manifest itselfin an impressed ch
12、aracter.3.2.12 segment, na single device on which is forged orattached a set of numerals or symbols which can be set by theoperator in establishing an impression value. On some ma-chines a different segment is used for each digit.3.2.13 variation, nimprecise duplication in multiple im-pressions from
13、 the same machine.4. Significance and Use4.1 The procedures outlined here are grounded in thegenerally accepted body of knowledge and experience in thefield of forensic document examination. By following these1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on ForensicSciences and is the
14、direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.90 on Executive.Current edition approved April 1, 2008. Published April 2008. Originallyapproved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as E2285 03. DOI:10.1520/E2285-08.2For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, orcontact
15、 ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United StatesNOTICE: This standard has e
16、ither been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information1procedures, a forensic document examiner can reliably reachan opinion concerning whether two or more impressions werecreated by the same checkwriter, whether a partic
17、ular check-writer created the specific impression, or the determination ofthe make and model of checkwriter that made an impression.5. Interferences5.1 Items submitted for examination may have inherentlimitations that can interfere with the procedures in this guide.Limitations should be noted and re
18、corded.5.2 Limitations can be due to submission of non-originaldocuments, limited quantity or comparability, or condition ofthe items submitted for examination (for example, impressionsmade with over-inked or inadequately inked checkwriters,partially imprinted impressions, or variations in surface t
19、ex-ture). Such features are taken into account in this guide.5.3 The results of prior storage, handling, testing, or chemi-cal processing (for example, for latent prints) can interfere withthe examination of certain characteristics. The effects caninclude, but are not limited to, flattening of the e
20、mbossment orimpression, partial destruction of the paper, stains, and dete-rioration of the ink. Whenever possible, document examina-tions should be conducted prior to any chemical processing.Items should be handled appropriately to avoid compromisingsubsequent examinations.6. Equipment and Requirem
21、ents6.1 Appropriate light source(s) of sufficient intensity toallow fine detail to be distinguished.NOTE 1Natural light, incandescent or fluorescent sources, or fiberoptic lighting systems are generally utilized. Transmitted illumination,side lighting, and vertical incident lighting have been found
22、useful.6.2 Magnification sufficient to allow fine detail to be distin-guished.6.3 Other apparatus as appropriate.6.4 Imaging or other equipment for recording observationsas required.6.5 Checkwriter classification reference materials can aid inthe determination of a manufacturer.6.6 Sufficient time a
23、nd facilities to complete all applicableprocedures.7. Procedure7.1 All procedures shall be performed when applicable andnoted when appropriate. These procedures need not be per-formed in the order given.7.2 Examinations, relevant observations, and results shall bedocumented.7.3 At various points in
24、these procedures, a determinationthat a particular feature is not present or that an item is lackingin quality or comparability may indicate that the examinershould discontinue or limit the procedure(s). It is at thediscretion of the examiner to discontinue the procedure at thatpoint and report acco
25、rdingly or to continue with the applicableprocedures to the extent possible. The reasons for such adecision shall be documented.7.4 Determine whether the submitted questioned impres-sion(s) were produced by a checkwriter. If not a checkwriterimpression (original or copy), discontinue examination and
26、report accordingly.7.5 Determine whether the examination is a comparison ofquestioned impressions; a comparison of a questioned impres-sion(s) with a known impression(s); or a comparison of aquestioned impression(s) with a checkwriter(s).7.6 Determine whether the submitted questioned impres-sion(s)
27、is suitable for comparison. If it is not suitable forcomparison, discontinue the procedure and report accordingly.Factors that affect the suitability include clarity, detail, degreeof inking or condition of the document.NOTE 2Examination of the original is preferable and considerationshould be given
28、 to obtaining the original, if not submitted.NOTE 3Limited sufficiency and comparability of known specimenscan be a restrictive factor in an examination and its conclusions but doesnot necessarily require the discontinuation of the examination.7.7 If no known specimen impressions or checkwriter(s)we
29、re submitted, go to 7.13.7.8 If a known document(s) is submitted, determinewhether the known document(s) is suitable for examination, orcomparison, or both. If it is not suitable, discontinue theprocedure and report accordingly. Factors that affect thesuitability include clarity, detail, or conditio
30、n of the document.7.9 If the original is not submitted, evaluate the quality ofthe best available reproduction to determine whether signifi-cant details have been reproduced with sufficient clarity forcomparison purposes and proceed to the extent possible. If thereproduction is not of sufficient cla
31、rity for comparisonpurposes, discontinue these procedures and report accordingly.7.10 If a checkwriter(s) is submitted, its condition should benoted.7.11 Determine if any of the known exemplar impressionsare suitable for comparison.7.12 If none of the known specimen impressions are suit-able for com
32、parison and no others are obtained, discontinuethese procedures and report accordingly.7.13 Conduct a side-by-side comparison of the questionedimpressions, or the questioned impression to the known im-pressions and/or to the checkwriter(s).7.13.1 Compare class characteristics (for example, the im-pr
33、ession format, typeface design and size, printing elementcharacters, prefix, payee perforator, platen impressions andinking system.). If different, discontinue and report accord-ingly.NOTE 4Prefixes may be removed and replaced in certain machines.Payee perforator may be inactivated. These factors sh
34、ould be consideredin any evaluation of characteristics. Individual prefixes may be unique toone machine. Manufacturers may also have records of the originalpurchaser of a certain individual prefix.7.13.2 Compare individualizing characteristics in commonsuch as wear and damage defects, perforation pa
35、tterns,misalignments, reproducible blemishes, ribbon shift, impres-sion voids, improper inking, extraneous inking, and individualprefix features.E2285 0827.14 Evaluate similarities, differences, and limitations. De-termine their significance individually and in combination.7.15 Reach a conclusion an
36、d report accordingly.8. Report8.1 Conclusion(s), opinion(s), or findings resulting from theprocedures in this guide may be reached once sufficientexaminations have been conducted. The number and nature ofthe necessary examinations is dependent on the question athand.8.2 The bases and reasons for the
37、 conclusion(s), opinion(s),or findings should be included in the examiners documenta-tion and may also appear in the report.8.3 IdentificationWhen the examination reveals nosignificant, inexplicable differences between two or more itemsand there is significant agreement in all individualizingcharact
38、eristics, an identification is appropriate (that is, com-pared impressions or compared impression and checkwritercontain substantial significant characteristic similarities; thereare no significant, inexplicable differences; and no limitationsassociated with absent characteristics).8.4 EliminationIf
39、 significant, inexplicable differences be-tween two or more items are found at any level of the analyses,an elimination is appropriate (that is, the impressions containsubstantial significant differences; and there may be limitationsassociated with absent characters or individualizing character-isti
40、cs; there may be similarities).8.5 Qualified OpinionsWhen there are limiting factorsand the examination reveals similarities or differences oflimited significance between two or more items, the use ofqualified opinions can be appropriate (that is, the impressionsor observed features contain limited
41、similarities or differences;or limitations associated with absent characters, individualiz-ing characteristics, or distorted impressions are present or; acombination of these). Qualified opinions require explanationof the limiting factors.8.6 No ConclusionWhen there are significant limitingfactors,
42、a report that no conclusion can be reached is appro-priate. This opinion requires explanation of the limiting factors.9. Keywords9.1 checkwriter impressions; checkwriters; forensic sci-ences; questioned documentsASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights assert
43、ed in connection with any item mentionedin this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the riskof infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by t
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