NCJ Number
143549
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1993) Pages: 3-8
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In an attempt to find a less expensive and quicker means of producing court demonstration charts, four photocopiers were examined in accordance with predetermined criteria, and a range of exhibits was used for comparison purposes.
Abstract
Exhibits were photocopied directly for comparison with photographs of the same item, and master charts were photocopied for comparison with photographic prints of the same chart. Particular attention was paid to grey ranges and all fine details and fragments of images. Charts were prepared from photocopies of exhibits, and these charts were rephotocopied as additional prints. Of four Canon photocopiers examined, the Canon NP4335 was found to produce an acceptable final product. For 1 year, the NP4335 was used extensively to prepare handwriting demonstrations. Photocopies were taken of actual exhibits at around 200 percent, and extracts were cut from these copies and mounted onto cards. With the photocopier, it became possible to produce demonstration charts more speedily and more cheaply. Moreover, investigators had the advantage of demonstration charts when conducting interviews, the ability to meet urgent requests was enhanced, and turnaround time for examinations was reduced from 18 to 10 days. Although the photocopier produced satisfactory court demonstration charts for many areas of document examination, it was not suitable for cases requiring high magnification, color, or particularly fine detail. Six references and 4 figures are also included in the report.