Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 07/22/08
AJS222 19962-20086	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Special Investigations: Document Crimes
Specialized investigation of document crimes. Techniques to determine document forgery: methods of restoration of erased, obliterated or burned/charred documents; examination of handwriting and handprinting; and counterfeiting. Prerequisites: None.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
AJS222   19962-20086	Special Investigations: Document Crimes

1.	Describe various types of documents. (I)
2.	Describe the development of personal handwriting skills. (II)
3.	Describe the variables that make handwriting identifiable. (III)
4.	Describe visible indications of forgery. (IV)
5.	Describe visible indications of disguise. (V)
6.	Describe types of forgery. (VI)
7.	Describe machine-made impressions. (VII)
8.	Define questioned documents. (VIII)
9.	Define the legal aspects of document examinations as related to the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the United States Constitutio. (IX)
10.	Describe the role of the questioned document examiner in court. (X)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
AJS222   19962-20086	Special Investigations: Document Crimes

I. Documents A. Definitions B. Types of documents 1. Machine-printed 2. Handwritten 3. Machine-printed symbols 4. Mediums and matrix of documents II. Handwritng A. Definition B. Psychomotor coordination C. Devleopment of handwriting with maturity III. IOdentificable Handwriting Reflexes A. The making of th ehandwriting reflex B. Single letter variations C. Letter combination variables IV. Indications of Forgery A. Blunt endings B. Pressure changes C. Hesitations and pen lifts D. Letter forms E. Patching, retouching, or repairing F. Tremor V. Indications of Disquise A. Backslanting B. Small letters C. Printed handwritten forms D. Awkward letter forms VI. Types of Forgery A. Freehand: no simulation B. Freehand: simulation C. Tracing VII. Machine-Made Impressions A. Typewritten characters B. Checkwriter impressions C. Printing types 1. Offset 2. Letter press 3. Intaglio 4. Thermographic 5. Embossed D. Cash register types E. Rubber stamps VIII. Questioned Documents A. What is a questioned document? B. The document itself C. Handwriting within document D. Questioned machine made impressions IX. Legal Aspects of Document Crimes A. Fourth Amendment rights B. Fifth Amendment rights C. Sixth Amendment rights X. The Questioned Document Examiner in Court A. Qualifications B. Expert testimony C. Taking examples

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