CURRENT TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS IN FORENSIC PRACTICE: CRIMINALISTIC PERSPECTIVES AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/forensic.science.2026.3.5Keywords:
technical document examination, forensic examination, criminalistics, spectral analysis, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, digital technologiesAbstract
The article examines current trends in the development of technical document examination within the system of forensic expert activity, taking into account the forensic aspects of the application of specialized knowledge. The importance of documents as a source of evidentiary information in judicial proceedings is determined, and the necessity of improving examination methods in the context of an increasing number of forgeries and the growing complexity of falsification techniques is substantiated. It is emphasized that the transformation of methods for creating and reproducing documents, driven by the introduction of digital tools, has significantly affected the nature of their material features, necessitating a revision of traditional approaches. Modern methods of technical document examination are analyzed, specifically optical, spectral, and digital technologies. Particular attention is paid to the use of infrared and ultraviolet radiation for detecting latent entries, signs of alterations, and differentiation of writing materials, as well as the capabilities of spectral analysis for ink identification. It is proved that spectral methods allow for the detection of faint signs of interference that remain invisible during conventional visual inspection, including instances of additions or partial text replacement. The role of digital technologies in enhancing the effectiveness of forensic examinations is highlighted, particularly the use of multispectral imaging, computer image processing, and automated analysis systems. The potential of using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to automate the detection of anomalies in document structures is considered. Prospects for the development of this field are identified, related to the total digitalization of forensic activities, the integration of innovative scientific achievements, and the harmonization of national methodologies with international standards to strengthen the evidentiary base in criminal proceedings.
References
1. Keith L. V., Runion W. Short-wave UV imaging casework applications. Journal of Forensic Identification. 1998. Vol. 48. P. 563–566.
2. Lin A. C. Y., Hsieh H. M., Tsai L. C., Linacre A., Lee J. C. I. Forensic applications of infrared imaging for the detection and recording of latent evidence. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 2007. Vol. 52. P. 1148–1150. DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00512.x.
3. De Donno A., Carlucci D., Introna F. The use of infrared rays for identification purposes. Journal of Forensic Identification. 2008. Vol. 58. P. 193–202.
4. Williams A. R. & Williams G. F. The invisible image? Part 1: Introduction and reflected ultraviolet techniques. Journal of Biological Photography. 1993. Vol. 61. P. 115–132.
5. Tetley C. & Young S. Digital infrared and ultraviolet imaging. Part 2: Ultraviolet. Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine. 2008. Vol. 31. P. 51–60. DOI: 10.1080/17453050802131977.
6. Moon H. W. Identification of wrinkled and charred counterfeit currency offset printing plate by infrared examination. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 1984. Vol. 29. P. 644–650. DOI: 10.1520/JFS11720J.
7. Chowdhry R., Gupta S. K., & Bami H. L. Ink differentiation with infrared techniques. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 1973. Vol. 18. P. 418–433. DOI: 10.1520/JFS10089J.
8. Dalrymple B. E. Visible and infrared luminescence in documents: Excitation by laser. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 1983. Vol. 28. P. 692–696. DOI: 10.1520/JFS11585J.
9. Larry E. Daniel and Lars E. Daniel. Digital Forensics for Legal Professionals: Understanding Digital Evidence from the Warrant to the Courtroom. 2011, eBook. ISBN: 9781597496445. DOI: 10.1016/B978-1-59749-644-5.00001-X.
