Forensic Examination of Photocopies/Laser Printouts

Forensic analysis of the photocopied documents is usually carried out to determine the nature, source and authenticity of the photocopied documents. Examination of photocopied documents considers all possible avenues to determine their nature and source. Physical characteristics include toner type, fusion methods, splattering effect of the toner and trash marks. Both raw and processed toners have also been classified on the basis of their chemical properties with combination of Thin Layer Chromatography, Ultraviolet (UV) Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. Colour samples have been examined for the Counterfeit Protection System (CPS) code and Toner Deposit Patterns.The examination has also been carried out to determine their authenticity. Alterations have been detected when all the features are collectively considered. However, when the generation of photocopies are increased, the detection of the alterations becomes difficult because recopying of the altered copy hide most of the characteristics of alterations.