1、Designation: E 2285 03e1Standard Guide forExamination of Mechanical Checkwriter Impressions1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2285; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A nu
2、mber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.e1NOTESections 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 were editorially corrected in September 2007.1. Scope1.1 This guide provides procedures for examinations thatshould
3、 be used by forensic document examiners (Guide E 444)for examinations and comparisons 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)
4、 and comparison(s) are of questioned and known itemsor of exclusively questioned items.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 av
5、ail-able for examination.1.5 This guide may not cover all aspects of particularlyunusual 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 s
6、afety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E 444 Guide for Scope of Work of Forensic DocumentExaminersE 1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic ScienceE 2195 Terminology Relating to the Examination of Q
7、ues-tioned Documents3. Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms in this Guide, referto Terminology E 1732 and Terminology E 2195.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 blemish, na small extraneous spot found near inkedregions of checkwriter impressions that is characteris
8、tic ofmachines that use ribbons as their ink source.3.2.2 checkwriter, na device manually or electricallypowered 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
9、 pressure on thedocument.3.2.4 impression format, nthe manner in which the paperis embossed 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 numerici
10、mpression region for the purpose of protecting the payee entryfrom alteration.3.2.7 perforation, 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
11、of the checkwriter impressionlocated immediately to the left of the numeric value.3.2.10 printing element, nthe parts of the total check-writer impression that are not parts of the prefix which mayencompass the currency type, decimal points, and commas.3.2.11 ribbon shift, vthe movement of a multi-c
12、oloredinking ribbon allowing for a change in color to manifest itselfin an impressed character.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 use
13、d for each digit.3.2.13 variation, nimprecise duplication in multiple im-pressions from the same machine.1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on ForensicSciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.02 on QuestionedDocuments.Current edition approved March 10, 2
14、003. Published April 2003.2For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.1Copyright ASTM International, 100
15、Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.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 theseprocedures, a forensic docume
16、nt examiner can reliably reachan opinion concerning whether two or more impressions werecreated by the same checkwriter, whether a particular check-writer created the specific impression, or the determination ofthe make and model of checkwriter that made an impression.5. Interferences5.1 Items submi
17、tted for examination may have inherentlimitations that can interfere with the procedures in this guide.Limitations should be noted and recorded.5.2 Limitations can be due to submission of non-originaldocuments, limited quantity or comparability, or condition ofthe items submitted for examination (fo
18、r example, impressionsmade with over-inked or inadequately inked checkwriters,partially imprinted impressions, or variations in surface tex-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
19、prints) may interferewith the ability of the examiner to see certain characteristics.The effects can include, but are not limited to, flattening of theembossment or impression, partial destruction of the paper,stains, and deterioration of the ink. Whenever possible, docu-ment examinations should be
20、conducted prior to any chemicalprocessing. Items should be handled appropriately to avoidcompromising subsequent examinations (for example, withclean gloves).6. Equipment and Requirements6.1 Appropriate light source(s) of sufficient intensity toallow fine detail to be distinguished.NOTE 1Natural lig
21、ht, incandescent or fluorescent sources, or fiberoptic lighting systems are generally utilized. Transmitted illumination,side lighting, and vertical incident lighting have been found useful.6.2 Magnification sufficient to allow fine detail to be distin-guished.6.3 Other apparatus as appropriate.6.4
22、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 and facilities to complete all applicableprocedures.7. Procedure7.1 Perform all procedures when applicable and note ea
23、chwhen appropriate. These procedures do not have to be per-formed in the order given.7.2 Document the examinations performed, the relevantobservations, and the results.7.3 At various points in these procedures, a determinationthat a particular feature is not present or that an item is lackingin qual
24、ity or comparability can 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 accordingly or to continue with the applicableprocedures to the extent possible. Document the reasons forsuch a
25、 decision.7.4 Determine whether the submitted questioned impres-sion(s) were produced by a checkwriter. If not a checkwriterimpression (original or copy), discontinue examination andreport accordingly.7.5 Determine whether the examination is a comparison ofquestioned impressions; a comparison of a q
26、uestioned 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) is suitable for comparison. If it is not suitable forcomparison, discontinue the procedure and report accordingly.Fact
27、ors 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 to obtaining the original, if not submitted.NOTE 3Limited sufficiency and comparability of known specimenscan be a re
28、strictive 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)were submitted, go to 7.11.7.8 If a checkwriter(s) is submitted, its condition should benoted.7.8.1 Note, when applicabl
29、e, the impression format, type-face design and size, printing element characters, prefix, payeeperforator, platen impressions and inking system.7.8.2 Note the amount set on each submitted checkwriter.7.8.3 Note any visible features of the checkwriter that arereproduced on the impression.7.8.4 Prepar
30、e appropriate exemplars, as needed.7.9 Determine if any of the known exemplar impressionsare suitable for comparison.7.10 If none of the known specimen impressions are suit-able for comparison and no others are obtained, discontinuethese procedures and report accordingly.7.11 Conduct a side-by-side
31、comparison of the questionedimpressions, or the questioned impression to the known im-pressions and/or to the checkwriter(s).7.11.1 Compare class characteristics (for example, the im-pression format, typeface design and size, printing elementcharacters, prefix, payee perforator, platen impressions a
32、ndinking 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 should be oconsideredin any evaluation of characteristics. Individual prefixes may be unique toone machine. Manufactu
33、rers may also have records of the originalpurchaser of a certain individual prefix.7.11.2 Compare individualizing characteristics in commonsuch as wear and damage defects, perforation patterns, mis-alignments, reproducible blemishes, ribbon shift, impressionvoids, improper inking, extraneous inking,
34、 and individualprefix features.7.12 Evaluate similarities, differences, and limitations. De-termine their significance individually and in combination.7.13 Reach a conclusion and report accordingly.E228503e128. Report8.1 Conclusion(s), opinion(s), or findings resulting from theprocedures in this gui
35、de 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 conclusion(s), opinion(s),or findings should be included in the examiners documenta-tion and may also appear in
36、the report.8.3 IdentificationWhen the examination reveals no sig-nificant, inexplicable differences between two or more itemsand there is significant agreement in all individualizing char-acteristics, an identification is appropriate (that is, comparedimpressions or compared impression and checkwrit
37、er containsubstantial significant characteristic similarities; there are nosignificant, inexplicable differences; and no limitations associ-ated with absent characteristics).8.4 EliminationIf significant, inexplicable differences be-tween two or more items are found at any level of the analyses,an e
38、limination is appropriate (that is, the impressions containsubstantial significant differences; and there may be limitationsassociated with absent characters or individualizing character-istics; there may be similarities).8.5 Qualified OpinionsWhen there are limiting factorsand the examination revea
39、ls 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 similarities or differences;or limitations associated with absent characters, individualiz-ing characteristic
40、s, or distorted impressions are present or; acombination of these). Qualified opinions require explanationof the limiting factors.8.6 No ConclusionWhen there are significant limitingfactors, a report that no conclusion can be reached is appro-priate. This opinion requires explanation of the limiting
41、 factors.9. Keywords9.1 checkwriter impressions; checkwriters; forensic sci-ences; questioned documentsASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that d
42、etermination 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 the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised, either reapproved
43、 or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standardsand should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of theresponsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel
44、that your comments have not received a fair hearing you shouldmake your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the aboveaddress or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or serviceastm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website(www.astm.org).E228503e13
