The procedures outlined here are grounded in the generally accepted body of knowledge and experience in the field of forensic document examination. By following these procedures, a forensic document examiner can reliably reach an opinion concerning whether a document has been altered.

1.1 This Guide provides procedures for examinations that should be used by forensic document examiners (E 444) for examinations involving altered documents.

1.2 These procedures are applicable whether the examination(s) are of questioned and known items, exclusively questioned items, or a single item.

1.3 These procedures include evaluation of the sufficiency of the material available for examination.

1.4 The particular methods employed in a given case will depend upon the nature of the material available for examination.

1.5 This Guide may not cover all aspects of unusual or uncommon examinations.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.