1.1 This guide provides procedures that should be used by forensic document examiners (E 444) for examinations and comparisons involving handwritten items 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 (questioned, or known, or both) available for examination.

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

1.5 This guide may not cover all aspects of unusual or uncommon examinations of handwritten items.

1.6 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.