The goal of this online course is to provide the student with an orientation and overview of questioned documents in regards to forensic science. This course covers equipment, training, handwriting identification, distortion, disguise, signatures, variation, forged signatures, the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA), and questioned documents in court.
Cost: $0-225. This course takes 27 hours to complete, on average.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
This is a non-credit course offering 5.02 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is 27 hours. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required. The course cost is $225 per registration (with the exception of public lab employees, law enforcement, public attorneys, and federal employees – please see "Registration Information" below). A certificate of completion will be issued to students successfully meeting course requirements.
Table of Contents
Unit 1: Overview and Introduction of Questioned Documents
Unit 2: Equipment, Training, and Organizations
Unit 3: Handwriting Identification
Unit 4: Distortion, Disguise, and Samples
Unit 5: Signatures and Variations
Unit 6: Non-Genuine or Forged Signatures
Unit 7: Video Spectral Comparator (VSC)
Unit 8: Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)
Unit 9: Questioned Documents in Court
There are no prerequisites for this course. A printable version of the course content is available in PDF format in the course library for future reference. Course readings are also available in PDF format.
Why was a correct answer on a quiz, marked incorrect?
Answer: Quizzes are graded automatically by the computer. However each quiz will be reviewed by the instructor in order to double check the system. The instructor is able to update your grade if necessary.
Do I have to respond to the discussion questions?
Answer: Yes, all discussion questions for this course are required and are graded.
Who do I contact if I’m having problems with the course?
Answer: If you are having trouble with registration or accessing the online course, please call OIT at 304-293-4444. Make sure you state that you are a non-credit eCampus student. If the problem is related to the course material, please email the instructor who will respond to your email as soon as possible.
Can I look at the material while taking the quiz?
Answer: Yes, the quiz open in a new window so you can review the course information.
There are free software plug-ins available in the Getting Started area of the course.
Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.). The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.
Anthony Iten is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelors of Arts degree and Forensic Science Certificate. Anthony has spent time working in the Drug Chemistry and Latent Print sections in the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab in St. Paul, Minnesota. His responsibilities include online course development and assistance in training professionals in the forensic field. He is currently developing a Latent Print online course. Contact: anthony.iten@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5186
Sarah is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. She has a Bachelor's in Biology from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Sarah has also earned her Master's in Forensic Science from Towson University. During her graduate studies, Sarah was involved in research funded by the NIJ. The project focused on finding new serological tests using DNA as the substrate. Her responsibilities include assisting with online classes, developing a relationship with vendors, and helping with training. Sarah is a native of Wyckoff, NJ. Contact: sarah.ellis@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-9540.
Please read below to determine your eligibility. If you have any eligibility questions please contact Forensic Science Initiative at FSI@mail.wvu.edu BEFORE you register. Registration is accepted year-round for this course.
“By way of introduction, I am Robert Hebert, a 16-year veteran with the Port of Lake Charles (La.) Harbor Police Department; I also served some years as a Navy Master-at-Arms.
It's delightful and encouraging to find WVU Professional Development courses in time when budget restrictions are so tough on departments' training. The courses are simple to follow and accessible at the most convenient times. They are in-depth and focus on the particulars that a lab specialist, crime scene evidence collection specialist, investigator or first response officer need to know.
I've completed Forensic Questioned Documents and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis; I'm currently enrolled in Death Investigation and Shooting reconstruction.
All of these things, a first responder officer needs to know. In a larger department, this information would help the first responder prepare the scene for chief investigators, and make those officers (first responders) more valuable in the event they might be needed to help collect evidence (as would be the case with fragile evidence). In a small department, often the first responder is the chief investigator. So, that in itself says it all: we never know when we might be thrust into a position whereby we must collect the evidence, and all the particular follow-ups.
I'm so appreciative of WVU's contribution to the law enforcement and forensics community. The information is invaluable and most timely. I've encouraged my fellow officers to explore these great courses. Keep up the great work!”
"All the classes that I have enrolled in have been great. The courses have so much information. I am very confident that any situation I come in contact with will aid me.
I want to thank all the teachers and staff of West Virginia University for the service they provide to law enforcment and other public service employees.
Great Courses."
3 OPTIONS FOR REGISTRATION
