The procedures outlined here are grounded in the generally accepted body of knowledge and experience in the field of forensic document examination. By following these procedures, a forensic document examiner can reliably reach an opinion concerning whether a particular single-strike ribbon or lift-off correction tape was used in the preparation of a specific typed text.

1.1 This guide provides procedures that should be used by forensic document examiners (E 444) for examinations and comparisons involving single-strike film ribbons with typed text and related procedures.

1.2 These procedures are applicable whether the examination and comparison is of questioned and known items or of exclusively questioned items.

1.3 These procedures include evaluation of the sufficiency of the material submitted for examination.

1.4 These procedures are also generally applicable to examinations of lift-off and cover-up correction tapes and sheets.

1.5 These procedures may also be applicable (in whole or in part) to examinations of carbon paper and carbon copies or of documents produced with certain non-impact printing devices (for example, printing devices using a thermal imaging transfer ribbon).

1.6 The particular methods employed in a given case will depend upon the nature of the material available for examination.

1.7 This guide may not cover all aspects of unusual or uncommon examinations.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.