Forensic Documents Examination: A Rescue Mission to Obviate a Catastrophic Extinction

Dr. Ready Condry Rasekgoalo1

1

Publication Date: 2024/12/17

Abstract: This research study critically investigates a steep decline of forensic exhibits received by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) with specific focus to the Questioned Documents Section (QDS). The QDS is responsible for the forensic examination of forensic evidence received, with a view to determine the authenticity and the authorship as it may be requested by the client. Over a period of six (6) calendar years (from 2018 to 2023), the QDS has experienced a precipitous decline in a quantity of cases that were received for forensic examination. This is in contrast to the increase in fraud cases reported during the period under review, and a general increase of crime in South Africa. This research study aims to critically analyse the decline of forensic exhibits received by the FSL-QDS and to identify possible causes and the reasons for the decline of cases received, with a view to make practical and implementable recommendations that will assist in addressing the precipitous decline of forensic exhibits received by the QDS. The identified steep decline of cases received by the QDS has the potential to threaten the existence and relevance of the QDS as an important role- player in the fight against crime through forensic examination of questioned documents as required and regulated by law. QDS is a forensic discipline within the FSL, of which the FSL is a component of the Forensic Services of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Forensic Services was merged with the detective services to form one division known as Detective and Forensic Services (DFS). The FSL is a legal statute, which draws its mandate from the section 205 (3) of the Constitution of South Africa, which postulate, β€œthe objects of the police service are to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, and to uphold and enforce the law. This research study focuses on the QDS, which has significantly been affected by a low number of forensic exhibits received that resulted in amongst others, the under-utilisation of the available human resources. A causal relationship between the steep decline of cases received by the FSL-QDS and the identified root causes was successfully and convincingly identified (Bless & Higson-Smith, 2000:40). A correlation was established between the decline of forensic exhibits received and finalised by the FSL-QDS and the increasingly development of forensic departments within various private and government sectors, which perform similar forensic services as the QDS of the FSL. These services are performed with an improved turn- around time and efficiency as compared to that of the QDS. The evolving digital technology in the production of documents was also identified as a contributing factor to the problem. οƒ˜ Relevance: This study is relevant as it addresses current phenomenon that is plaguing the QDS, and threatens its relevance and existence. Although the decline of cases received by QDS nationally is of great concern, no study was conducted to determine the root cause and to put measures in place to curb the detrimental decline of cases received. This study provides empirical evidence pertaining to the decline of cases received by QDS, and further makes practical recommendations that are targeted at flattening the curve of the decline of cases received. The recommendations further aim to increase the utilisation of the QDS services by the investigating officers in the fight against crime. In addition, this study will elevate the value of QDS as a scientific entity that plays a pivotal role within Criminal Justice System (CJS). οƒ˜ Target Audience: The entire Criminal Justice System (CJS) cluster and its partners are the target audience for this research. This includes the South African Police Service, the judiciary, government departments, private sectors, academics, researchers, law enforcement agencies, communities and societies, and national and the global community. This research study is not only targeted to a specific group of people, but to the public at large. Research publication is one of the efficient way to disseminate information to all interested audiences, and to contribute to the body of knowledge in the scientific fraternity. οƒ˜ Originality: This scientific research study contains the original research output, which was not researched before. The research problem identified was discovered because of the newly identified phenomenon in the QDS, and there is no known research article or book published on the topicunder research. The scientific contribution to the field of science will be new and unique of its kind.

Keywords: Forensic exhibits, decline of cases, Forensic Science, forensic exhibits, Forensic Science Laboratory, Questioned (disputed) Documents, Criminal Justice System, Forensic Awareness, digital technology, Electronic or digital signatures, Artificial Intelligence, Digitally Acquired Signatures, Extinction, Catastrophe, Documents Examination, Rescue Mission, Pluralism, Obviate.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14504955

PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT24DEC401.pdf

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