Forensic Laboratory

Forensic Document Examination

Forensic Laboratory

Our forensic laboratory is located in Toronto, Ontario and is accessible to all members of the public including lawyers, private investigators, government agencies and regulatory bodies. Our forensic examiners are experts in their field and will prepare a court ready forensic report for acceptance by court in all Provincial jurisdictions within Canada and outside of Canada.

Government agencies including the police, RCMP and FBI have access to their own forensic laboratories and forensic examiners. Currently there are limited options for non-governmental agencies or members of the public to obtain their own independent and unbiased analysis of trace evidence. Evidence collection can be examined and used in criminal as well as civil proceedings.

Forensic testing is primarily used as an investigative aid allowing the investigator to focus their attention in a particular direction or a person of interest. Forensic testing is also used to confirm or refute results put forth by police agencies or investigators. Our forensic examiners will undertake a comprehensive examination unbiased and independent of police or prosecutors.

Evidence collected can be examined and used in both criminal and civil proceedings. Our findings will be verified by an forensic examiner qualified to testify and present evidence on your behalf as an expert witness. We will prepare a court ready forensic report for acceptance by courts in all jurisdictions within Canada and outside of Canada.

Below is a listing of our expertise and forensic specialties:

Miltispectral Imaging: Multispectral and 3D imaging generally refers to the capture of images using a variety of wave lengths such as ultra-violet and infrared. Once we capture an image, we can easily revert it into 3D for viewing.  3D can reveal detail that cannot readily be seen with the naked eye.

Multispectral imaging is also commonly used to verify authenticity of old manuscripts or antique books. It can be used to uncover layers of obliterated or damaged writing to expose the originally written text underneath.  Qualitative data will then be used to confirm if the properties in the paper is consistent with it’s purported age.  For example, a multispectral analysis will show what materials are in the paper, fibre, and ink.

Obliterated Serial Numbers: Serial numbers on firearms, vehicle VIN numbers or metal identification tags on manufactured products often become old, rusted or worn from excessive use. These items can also be the target of intentional disguise related to criminal activity. Proper identification of altered or worn serial numbers can be accomplished under most circumstances using ultra-high magnification and 3D imaging.

Indented Writing: can be described as the force from a writing instrument that leaves an impression on a writing surface, usually paper or a pad of papers. The indented impression is often obliterated by ink from the actual writing and not visible to the eye. Using our specialized equipment, we can identify writing up to 8 to 10 pages deep.

All manner of documents benefit from the detection of indented writing. Notably these are hold-up notes, suicide notes, offensive letters written anonymously, or simply the detection of an altered or manipulated document. The detection of obliterated writing found on the reverse side of a document can reveal the true nature of an authors intent.

Fingerprints: Comparison of fingerprints can be valuable to eliminate a witness or suspect from further investigation. It can also be used to assist in the matching of latent prints found at a crime scene or to confirm the presence of a person at a particular location. Fingerprints can be collected from a large number of surfaces including paper, wood, ceramic, vinyl, walls coffee mugs and glass.

Shoe Impressions: In criminal investigations a shoe impression can be a valuable investigative tool to identify and place a particular person at a crime scene. It is common however to misidentify a particular wear pattern of a shoe impression. Law enforcement count on an accused person to be unable to obtain a second opinion.

Memorabilia: Typical everyday uses are determining the condition of collectible items such as stamps, coins, and trading cards. These items are often targets for fraud or forgery. Ultra-high magnification can detect tears, unusual wear and scratches. Examination using high-tech instruments such as the Keyence VHS-X1 will reveal evidence of fraud or manipulation by unscrupulous individuals to artificially increase the price of memorabilia.

 

 

 

Docufraud Forensic Laboratories can also be reached with the following keywords: Canada, Laboratory, Fingerprinting, Fingerprints, Indented Writing, Obliterated Writing, Shoe Impressions, Multispectral Imaging,