Sequential Examination Protocol
Definition
A formally agreed, documented inter-discipline sequence for examining a document that carries both handwriting or text evidence and biological evidence; the sequence orders non-destructive examination first, then agreed sampling, to prevent one discipline's needs from irreversibly compromising the other's.
- Applies to
- Documents with both handwriting and biological evidence
- Order
- Non-destructive examination first, then agreed sampling
- Purpose
- Prevent one discipline destroying evidence for another
- Field
- Multi-discipline forensic document examination
- Requires
- Formal, documented inter-discipline agreement
Common questions
Why can't handwriting and DNA examination simply happen in whichever order is convenient?+
Swabbing for touch DNA can smear ink, remove indentation evidence, or introduce moisture that damages fibres, while ESDA or chemical ink testing can degrade or contaminate areas needed for DNA recovery, so an uncoordinated order risks losing one line of evidence entirely.
What does non-destructive examination typically include in this protocol?+
It generally covers visual and photographic documentation, non-contact imaging such as infrared or UV photography, and ESDA impression recovery, all of which can be completed before any physical sampling that risks altering the document's surface.
Who decides the specific sampling plan once non-destructive steps are done?+
The disciplines involved, typically document examiners and forensic biologists, agree the sampling locations and methods in advance based on where each type of evidence is most likely concentrated and least likely to conflict with the other examination's needs.
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