What Training Does a Forensic Handwriting Expert Need?
Forensic Handwriting Analysis
Whether you’re a lawyer, a private investigator, or simply someone who is trying to prove that you didn’t (or did) sign a document, you may need the services of a forensic handwriting expert. If you do, you’ll want to make sure that the analyst you use has been properly trained. But what training is required to be considered a forensic handwriting expert? The answer might surprise you.
There are currently NO standards placed by California or any other states regarding the qualifications required to conduct forensic handwriting analysis. Virtually anyone can hang a shingle, advertise in the Yellow Pages, and call themselves a forensic handwriting expert.
Obviously, this means there’s a potential for many people to offer forensic handwriting analysis who aren’t really qualified to do it. Believe it or not, many who offer forensic handwriting analysis have no criminology or forensic training at all. In fact, many of them have training based on graphology. Graphology has more to do with profiling a person’s personality based on their handwriting than with verifying the validity of documents.
Forensic handwriting analysis is an art and a skill which is applied in a scientific manner. If you need a credible expert witness, your forensic handwriting expert needs to be properly trained and have plenty of experience. So, how can you determine whether a forensic handwriting examiner is truly qualified to perform forensic handwriting analysis in the absence of any state guidelines?
Look for a forensic document expert who has completed at least two years of postgraduate training with an experienced document examiner. For best credibility, the training should be recognized and approved by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, the only nationally recognized body for forensic handwriting analysis.
Southern California forensic document examiner, Linda L. Mitchell has completed her apprenticeship training under Manny Gonzales. Mr. Gonzales has over 33 years of experience as a questioned document examiner. Ms. Mitchell’s training complies with ASTM guidelines. Her training is also recognized by the Southwestern Association of Forensic Document Examiners (SWAFDE). She has been thoroughly trained according to the SWAFDE Training Manual of 2006, which encompasses all facets of document analysis, laboratory procedures and expert witness protocol.
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