What does questioned document analysis primarily involve?

• A. Examination of documents for authenticity, handwriting, and alterations
• B. Analysis of tire tread wear patterns
• C. Identification of drugs and toxic substances
• D. Determination of blood type

Answer: (A)

Questioned document analysis focuses on determining the authenticity and authorship of documents, including handwriting and any alterations. The main goal is to decide whether a document is genuine, who likely wrote it, and whether changes were made after its creation. Analysts compare the questioned writing with known samples, examining features such as letter formation, slant, spacing, and pressure, to assess consistency or discrepancy. They also inspect for alterations like erasures, insertions, or overwriting, and may analyze ink and paper characteristics to support conclusions about origin or dating. This field does not involve tire tread patterns, drug identification, or blood typing.