Frequency of Occurrence Proportions in Handwriting
Thomas W. Vastrick · 2020
Forensic document examiners (FDEs) utilize many tools in conducting examinations and assessments. These tools include instruments such as microscopes and electrostatic latent handwriting detectors; measuring devices such as grids; and indexed data of materials such as watermark designs, computer printers, typewriters, and check-writers. Frequency of occurrences, or more accurately, frequency of occurrence proportions, are relative measurements of the presence of a certain design feature in handwriting of a specified and represented population or individual. FDEs are taught from the very beginning of training to observe and note characteristic similarities and differences between questioned and known writings with regard to any of a number of features such as design factors, spacing, letter height ratios, slant, etc. It would not be possible to address all features of cursive handwriting, hand-printing, or handwritten numerals in a frequency of occurrence database. Targeting is a quota method of collection in which sample sources are purposely sought out due to their quota parameters.