ASTM E2285-03

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Designation:E2285–03
Standard Guide for
Examination of Mechanical Checkwriter Impressions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2285; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2.1 blemish, n—a small extraneous spot found near inked
regions of checkwriter impressions that is characteristic of
1.1 This guide provides procedures for examinations that
machines that use ribbons as their ink source.
should be used by forensic document examiners (E 444) for
3.2.2 checkwriter, n—a device manually or electrically
examinations and comparisons involving mechanical check-
poweredorcomputergenerated,designedtoink,emboss,print,
writers and their impressions (exclusive of rubber stamp
perforate, or shred a monetary value, along with other periph-
checkwriter impressions or computer generated checkwriter
eral information, onto a document.
impressions).
3.2.3 impression, n—an image formed by pressure on the
1.2 These procedures are applicable whether the examina-
document.
tion(s) and comparison(s) are of questioned and known items
3.2.4 impression format, n—the manner in which the paper
or of exclusively questioned items.
is embossed or shredded.
1.3 These procedures include evaluation of the sufficiency
3.2.5 individual prefix, n—a prefix especially designed for a
of the material available for examination.
particular customer.
1.4 The particular methods employed in a given case will
3.2.6 payee perforator, n—an optional device on a check-
depend upon the nature and sufficiency of the material avail-
writer that perforates or shreds a pattern above the numeric
able for examination.
impression region for the purpose of protecting the payee entry
1.5 This guide may not cover all aspects of particularly
from alteration.
unusual or uncommon examinations.
3.2.7 perforation, n—penetration through the document.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.8 platen, n—a bar-shaped object that pushes the paper
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
stock against the typeface and provides the pressure necessary
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
to obtain an impression.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.9 prefix, n—the portion of the checkwriter impression
bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.
located immediately to the left of the numeric value.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.10 printing element, n—the parts of the total check-
writer impression that are not parts of the prefix which may
2.1 ASTM Standards:
encompass the currency type, decimal points, and commas.
E 444 Descriptions of Scope of Work Relating to Forensic
3.2.11 ribbon shift, v—the movement of a multi-colored
Document Examiners
inking ribbon allowing for a change in color to manifest itself
E 1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
in an impressed character.
E 2195 Terminology Relating to the Examination of Ques-
3.2.12 segment, n—a single device on which is forged or
tioned Documents
attached a set of numerals or symbols which can be set by the
3. Terminology
operator in establishing an impression value. On some ma-
chines a different segment is used for each digit.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms in this Guide, refer
3.2.13 variation, n—imprecise duplication in multiple im-
to Terminology E 1732 and Terminology E 2195.
pressions from the same machine.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The procedures outlined here are grounded in the
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
generally accepted body of knowledge and experience in the
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.02 on Questioned
field of forensic document examination. By following these
Documents.
procedures, a forensic document examiner can reliably reach
Current edition approved March 10, 2003. Published April 2003.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. an opinion concerning whether two or more impressions were
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E2285–03
created by the same checkwriter, whether a particular check- 7.5 Determine whether the examination is a comparison of
writer created the specific impression, or the determination of questioned impressions; a comparison of a questioned impres-
the make and model of checkwriter that made an impression. sion(s) with a known impression(s); or a comparison of a
questioned impression(s) with a checkwriter(s).
5. Interferences
7.6 Determine whether the submitted questioned impres-
5.1 Items submitted for examination may have inherent
sion(s) is suitable for comparison. If it is not suitable for
limitations that can interfere with the procedures in this guide.
comparison, discontinue the procedure and report accordingly.
Limitations should be noted and recorded.
Factors that affect the suitability include clarity, detail, degree
5.2 Limitations can be due to submission of non-original
of inking or condition of the document.
documents, limited quantity or comparability, or condition of
NOTE 2—Examination of the original is preferable and consideration
the items submitted for examination (for example, impressions
should be given to obtaining the original, if not submitted.
made with over-inked or inadequately inked checkwriters,
NOTE 3—Limited sufficiency and comparability of known specimens
partially imprinted impressions, or variations in surface tex-
can be a restrictive factor in an examination and its conclusions but does
ture). Such features are taken into account in this guide.
not necessarily require the discontinuation of the examination.
5.3 The results of prior storage, handling, testing, or chemi-
7.7 If no known specimen impressions or checkwriter(s)
cal processing (for example, for latent prints) may interfere
were submitted, go to 7.11.
with the ability of the examiner to see certain characteristics.
7.8 If a checkwriter(s) is submitted, its condition should be
The effects can include, but are not limited to, flattening of the
noted.
embossment or impression, partial destruction of the paper,
7.8.1 Note, when applicable, the impression format, type-
stains, and deterioration of the ink. Whenever possible, docu-
face design and size, printing element characters, pr
...