Elisabeth Briggs
Hannah Pocock
Forensic Examination of Indented Impressions
At QDE, we use specialised equipment to reveal "invisible" writing. Indented impressions occur when the pressure from a pen transfers onto the pages beneath, leaving a permanent - though often invisible - record of what was written on a previous sheet or document.
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These impressions can provide vital evidence in cases of document tampering or anonymous correspondence. By visualising these hidden marks, we can determine if pages have been substituted in a contract or uncover the original source of a document.
How Indented Impressions Can Assist a Case:
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Verifying Contract Integrity: If a signature page was changed or added later, the impressions left on the pages beneath it may reveal a completely different signature or date, showing the document has been altered.
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Identifying Document Origins: Anonymous letters or disputed notes often carry impressions from previous pages written in the same notepad. These hidden "ghost" entries can provide crucial clues about the author or the timing of the writing.
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Linking Documents: We can often prove that two separate documents were once part of the same pad or pile by matching the indentations from one onto the other.
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Our Equipment
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At QDE, we utilise electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) designed specifically for the forensic recovery of indented writing.
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This specialised equipment allows us to visualise impressions that are entirely invisible to the naked eye, even if the writing occurred several pages above the document being examined.
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Our Process is Non-Destructive:
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Safe for Evidence: The examination is entirely non-destructive and does not involve any chemical treatments. Your original documents remain completely unchanged and unharmed.
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High Sensitivity: The ESDA is highly sensitive, often revealing "ghost" impressions from documents that were resting several sheets above the sheet in question.
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Permanent Records: Any recovered impressions are recorded as physical "lifts" - these can be digitally scanned to provide clear, tangible evidence for use in court or private investigations.
The QDE office is equipped with a Projectina Docustat, used for the examination of indented impressions.
Examples of ESDA examination
Blank sheets of notepaper
Visualisation of indented impressions of writing using ESDA