Revealing Writing that has been Covered Using Correction Tools

One particular challenge encountered by the forensic document examiner is that of obliterations through use of correction utensils and opaquing solutions (eg. Wite-Out^®). Underlying writing can be difficult to distinguish due to this type of obliteration. In the past, various methods have been implemented to deal with these types of evidence, such as physically removing the solution. However, this method has the potential to destroy the original evidence in the process (1,2). An alternate nondestructive method for the visualization of the underlying writing is preferred. ESDA^® and the VSC^® are both non-destructive techniques widely used in the analysis of questioned documents. The ESDA^® was proposed and examined as a novel method for visualizing this type of obliterated writing. This nondestructive method was then compared to that of using the VSC^® for this same type of examination. The evaluation was carried out through the use of a variety of writing instruments, inks and printing methods. A series of samples consisting of handwritten, typewritten, and non-impact printed material was prepared and sections of each were covered with a different correction tool. Both the ESDA^® and VSC^® were used to view the underlying writing. The ESDA^® was able to distinguish the underlying writing from the front in three of the eight samples where the correction tape was used and from the back in three of the eight samples where correction fluid was used. Surprisingly, for all other samples, the ESDA^® did not succeed in revealing the obliterated writing. In all cases, however, the VSC^® was able to generate a legible image of the original writing. In short, the VSC^® was exceptionally effective at visualizing writing obliterated by opaquing solutions. There might, however, be some situations where the ESDA^® may be more advantageous.