OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

Preservation of Document Evidence

1

OSAC 2022-N-0035

Standard for On-Scene 

Collection and 

Preservation of 

Document Evidence 

Crime Scene Investigation & Reconstruction Subcommittee

Scene Examination Scientific Area Committee

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
2

Draft OSAC Proposed Standard 

OSAC 2022-N-0035

Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

Preservation of Document Evidence

Prepared by 

Crime Scene Investigation & Reconstruction Subcommittee

Version 1.0 

Disclaimer: 

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees 

(OSAC) for Forensic Science following a process that includes an open comment period. This 

Proposed Standard will be submitted to a standards developing organization and is subject to 

change. 

There may be references in an OSAC Proposed Standard to other publications under 

development by OSAC. The information in the Proposed Standard, and underlying concepts 

and methodologies, may be used by the forensic-science community before the completion of 

such companion publications.

Any identification of commercial equipment, instruments, or materials in the Proposed 

Standard is not a recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Government and does not imply 

that the equipment, instruments, or materials are necessarily the best available for the purpose.

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

Preservation of Document Evidence
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1 Foreword

2 This document delineates standards and recommendations for the collection and preservation of 

3 document evidence and related items during scene investigations. The methods in this standard 

4 are intended to maintain the integrity of document evidence so that reliable, accurate, and relevant 

5 conclusions can be obtained. Proper collection and preservation of document evidence ensures 

6 that the integrity of the evidence is maintained from the point of collection, through possible 

7 forensic examination, and to the presentation of the evidence in the courtroom. This document 

8 should be utilized in conjunction with departmental policies to inform or augment applicable 

9 policies.

10 This document has been drafted by the Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction 

11 Subcommittee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science 

12 through a consensus process.

13 This standard provides guidance on some safety issues but is not exhaustive. It is the responsibility 

14 of the appropriate agency to develop a full health and safety plan.

15 All hyperlinks and web addresses shown in this document are current as of the publication date of 

16 this standard.

17

18

19 Keywords: scene investigation, collection, preservation, physical evidence, document evidence 

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

Preservation of Document Evidence
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20 Table of Contents

21

22 1.Scope........................................................................................................................................................5

23 2.Normative References.............................................................................................................................6

24 3.Terms and Definitions.............................................................................................................................6

25 4.General Collection and Preservation of Document Evidence...............................................................8

26 4.1.Cross Contamination Considerations.............................................................................................8 

27 4.2.Document Evidence Collection and Preservation.........................................................................8 

28 5.Collection of Documents for Handwriting Comparison......................................................................9

29 5.1.Collection of Existing Documents...................................................................................................9 

30 5.2.Crime scene considerations for instructed writing exemplars..................................................10

31 6.Collection of Materials and Equipment Used to Produce Documents...............................................10

32 6.1.Ink and Toner Type Evidence........................................................................................................10

33 6.2.Machines.........................................................................................................................................11

34 7.Collection of Items with Suspected Indented writing.......................................................................11

35 7.1.Lighting...........................................................................................................................................12

36 7.2.Packaging.......................................................................................................................................12

37 8.Charred Documents..............................................................................................................................12

38 9.Liquid Soaked Documents....................................................................................................................12

39 9.1.Collection.........................................................................................................................................12

40 9.2.Handling Precautions.....................................................................................................................13

41 9.3.Drying.............................................................................................................................................13

42 9.4.Packaging........................................................................................................................................13

43 10.Collection of documents for fracture match examination .............................................................13

44 10.1.Collection.....................................................................................................................................14

45 10.2.Precautions..................................................................................................................................14

46 10.3.Shredded Paper...........................................................................................................................14

47

48

49 Annex A (informative) Bibliography................................................................................................................... 15

50

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

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51 Standard for On-Scene Collection and Preservation 

52 of Document Evidence

53

54 1. Scope 

55 This document provides specific guidance for the collection of documents as evidence when the 

56 physical characteristics of the document are of interest.

57 2. Normative References

58 The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For 

59 dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the 

60 referenced document (including any amendments) applies. 

61 Guiding Principles for Scene Investigation and Reconstruction [OSAC Proposed Standard] 

62 Standard for On-Scene Collection and Preservation of Physical Evidence [OSAC Proposed 

63 Standard] 

64 3. Terms and Definitions

65 For purposes of this document, the following definitions apply. 

66 3.1 

67 alteration 

68 A modification made to a document by any combination of physical, chemical, or mechanical 

69 means including, but not limited to, obliterations, additions, over writings, or erasures. 

70 (ANSI/ASB Standard 035) 

71 3.2 

72 chain of custody

73 Chronological record of the handling and storage of an item from its point of collection to 

74 its final return or disposal. (OSAC Preferred Term)

75

76 3.3 

77 charred documents 

78 Items damaged by heat or fire. (SWGDOC P01) 

79

80 3.4 

81 contamination 

82 The undesirable introduction of a substance to an item at any point in the forensic 

83 process. (ISO/FDIS 21043-1:2018[E]) 

84 NOTE This includes undesirable transfer of a substance within an item or between items, also 

85 referred to as cross-contamination. 

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

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86

87 3.5 

88 document

89 Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs visible, partially visible, or invisible (to the 

90 naked eye) that can ultimately convey meaning or a message. (ASB Technical Report 071, 

91 Draft)

92

93 NOTE This definition of a document is broad; it extends to electronic documents, including e94 mail and other electronic communications, word processed documents and databases. In 

95 addition to documents that are readily accessible from computer systems and other electronic 

96 devices and media, the definition covers those documents that are stored on servers and back-up 

97 systems and electronic documents that have been ‘deleted’; it also extends to additional 

98 information stored and associated with electronic documents known as metadata. (Practice 

99 Direction 31A – Disclosure and Inspection UK) 

100 3.6 

101 examination 

102 The process of observing, searching, detecting, recording, prioritizing, collecting, analyzing, 

103 measuring, comparing and/or interpreting (ASB Technical Report 071-Draft).

104 3.7 

105 exemplars 

106 Samples of handwriting, printed text, paper, ink, etc., known (or purported) to have been 

107 produced by a particular individual, machine, or manufacturer (ASB Technical Report 071-

108 Draft)

109 3.8 

110 forensic document examiner 

111 FDE

112 Addresses inquiries that arise in matters where the authenticity, genuineness, or source of 

113 documents is questioned; does not involve the study of handwriting for personality assessment, 

114 creation of a personality profile, or analysis, or judgment of a writer’s personality or character. 

115 (ASB Standard 011-Draft, ASB Technical Report 071-Draft) 

116

117 3.9 

118 personal protection equipment

119 PPE

120 Equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards such as body-fluids, irritants, or 

121 contaminants. Examples of PPE: gloves, foot and eye protection, respirators, and full body suits. 

122

123 3.10 

124 scene

125 A place or object that is subject to and/or requires forensic examination. (ISO/FDIS 21043-

126 1:2018[E]) 

127

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

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128 NOTE A crime scene is a common description of a scene where a presumed crime has been

129 committed. The scene can be a person or an animal.

130

131 3.11 

132 scene investigation

133 An examination of a scene to locate, document, process, collect, and preserve items of potential 

134 evidentiary value. 

135

136 3.12 

137 scene investigator 

138 An individual, however named, who is responsible for performing elements of scene 

139 investigation. 

140

141 3.13 

142 writing instrument 

143 Any tool used to create handwritten markings on a substrate. Typically used to describe the use 

144 of a pen, pencil, crayon, or other marker (ASB Technical Report 071, Draft). 

145

146 3.14 

147 requested writing 

148 Handwriting samples prepared by a particular person specifically for the purpose of comparison, 

149 usually to questioned material.

150

151 4. General Collection and Preservation of Document Evidence

152 Document evidence can be examined for source attribution, the presence of hidden writing, 

153 latent indented writing (e.g. blank pages), impressions, fracture matching, or alteration 

154 detection. Proper collection, handling, and storage can preserve potential evidentiary value, 

155 maximizing the capability of forensic document analysis. 

156 Scene investigators should collaborate with a forensic document examiner (FDE) to ensure that 

157 document evidence is properly documented and collected. An FDE can aid in the identification 

158 of probative evidence for document examination, including a document in question and 

159 additional materials or equipment that can be of use in analyzing a questioned document. 

160 Collaboration with an FDE during a scene investigation can increase the efficiency of an 

161 investigation through analysis. 

162 4.1. Cross Contamination Considerations 

163 a)Document evidence shall be handled, collected, and preserved in a manner that prevents 

164 contamination, tampering, alteration or loss.

165 4.2. Document Evidence Collection and Preservation 

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

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166 a) The method employed for the collection and preservation of document evidence 

167 can vary based on scene context and anticipated analysis.

168 b) The original document shall be collected if available and if the document can be

169 legally seized.

170 c)NOTE A scene investigator shall submit high-resolution copies in place of an

171 original document only when prior authorization from an FDE or other

172 individual with the appropriate expertise has been granted.

173 d) If original writing is on a fixed substrate (e.g. wall, floor) and cannot be collected,

174 the questioned writing shall be preserved by uncompressed evidence quality

175 photography with the camera lens perpendicular to the sample, proper lighting,

176 and the inclusion of a scale.

177 e) Items from different suspected sources, material types, and locations should be

178 collected and packaged separately.

179 f) Document evidence requiring further analysis, such as DNA, fingerprints, or trace

180 evidence, should be placed into breathable packaging such as paper bags,

181 envelopes, or cardboard containers. Generally, plastic is not an acceptable

182 packaging material.

183 g) Document evidence shall be protected from alteration. When collecting

184 document evidence, a scene investigator shall not mark the document itself, or

185 mark the package while it contains the document. Document evidence shall not

186 be unnecessarily folded, torn, marked, soiled, stamped, or written on. Document

187 items shall be collected intact and in their entirety. Packaging shall be of the

188 appropriate size to avoid damage or alteration to the document.

189 h) Document evidence examination often relies on exemplars for comparison.

190 Consideration should be made on the scene to identify potentially related

191 materials or equipment that could aid in the examination of a document. Further

192 discussion on possible exemplars will be noted in subsequent sections.

193 i) Storage of document evidence should avoid extreme temperature and humidity,

194 which can cause alteration to materials or equipment.

195 j) If the collection or preservation of document evidence is beyond the technical

196 skills, knowledge, or resources available to the scene investigator, an FDE or

197 other individual with the appropriate expertise shall be contacted for consultation

198 or assistance.

199 5. Collection of Documents for Handwriting Comparison 

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200 Handwriting analysis relies on the comparison between a questioned document and other 

201 documents with a known author or an exemplar written by a person of interest under the 

202 direction of investigators. It is important that sufficient samples be collected for a successful 

203 examination to be conducted. 

204 5.1. Collection of Existing Documents 

205 Documents containing existing written text often best represent an individual's natural 

206 handwriting and depict natural variance in writing. Scene investigators should attempt to 

207 identify and collect existing written documents during scene examinations when within the legal 

208 authority to do so. Existing documents that can be of use as comparative exemplars, include but 

209 are not limited to: 

210 a) Existing documents attributed to a suspected author(s), such as receipts, checks,

211 business records, correspondence, applications, identification cards, or diaries.

212 b) Samples of writing produced contemporaneous to, and with similar material as,

213 the questioned document can aid in comparative value.

214 c) Blank pages potentially associated with existing documents can contain 

215 decipherable indentations that can have comparative value. 

216 5.2. Scene Considerations for Requested Writing

217 Requested writing samples are commonly used for comparison to a questioned document. 

218 Protocols for obtaining requested writing samples should be determined by the laboratory 

219 performing the examination. 

220 a)Requested writing samples should be prepared using materials similar to the questioned 

221 document. The instrument and materials used to create the requested writing sample shall be 

222 collected.

223 6. Collection of Materials and Equipment Used to Produce Questioned Documents

224 Document evidence can be associated with the materials or equipment used to generate the 

225 document. In these cases, it is important to collect possible materials/equipment such as writing 

226 instruments, office equipment, or paper for comparison purposes. These items can be collected 

227 at an initial scene or at a later time under a separate legal authority. 

228 Once located, these items shall be collected in a manner that prevents damage to the item as 

229 small details or imperfections are useful for source attribution. 

230 Scene investigators should attempt to locate materials or equipment that could have been 

231 utilized to create the document in question. 

232 6.1. Ink/Toner Cartridge Evidence 

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233 a) Ink/toner cartridge evidence for writing instruments, printers, and stamp pads 

234 shall be packaged separately from any document.

235 b) Depending on the writing instrument being collected and the handling needed

236 (such as shipping), padding or leak-proof packaging shall be utilized to prevent

237 breakage or leakage.

238 c) The make, model, and color of the ink/toner cartridge shall be recorded.

239 6.2. Machine Evidence 

240 a) When machines, components, and accessories are collected, they shall be

241 securely packaged in a manner to protect from damage.

242 b) Ink/toner cartridges should be removed from the machine prior to packaging.

243 The ink/toner cartridges shall be packaged with padding in leak-proof containers

244 to prevent breakage and leakage.

245 c) Typewriter ribbons should not be removed from the machine.

246 d) Upon collection, the make, model, serial number, information about any toner

247 supplies and components, and machine repair and service history shall be

248 recorded.

249e) Documents produced contemporaneous to the questioned document can aid in comparative 

250 value. If the suspect machine is not available for collection, other documents that could have 

251 been generated by the same machine should be collected. 

252 f) Any item used to generate or alter a document can be useful for the anticipated

253 analysis of source attribution. Additional evidence for source attribution which

254 should be collected includes but is not limited to:

255 ● Paper or other document substrates;

256 ● Stamps, embossing, and seal devices (shall not be cleaned before packaging);

257 ● Document-assembly items such as staplers, staples, paper clips, hole punches,

258 envelopes, tape, and glue as relevant to the questioned document;

259 ● Documents possibly used as templates for counterfeits such as driver’s licenses,

260 social security cards, and passports.

261 7. Collection of Items with Suspected Indented Writing

262 Indented writing, typing, or other markings can occur when two or more documents are stacked, 

263 leaving indentations on the document(s) beneath. Documents that do not contain visible marks 

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264 even when using oblique lighting (e.g. pads of paper, checkbooks), can contain valuable 

265 indentation evidence and shall be collected for additional laboratory processing. 

266 7.1. Collection

267 a)Hard-sided or padded packaging should be utilized for collection and preservation. Due to the 

268 fragile nature of indented writing, it is especially important to avoid writing atop packaging 

269 after the item is within the packaging, placing heavy items atop packaging, and exposure to 

270 extreme temperature environments to avoid alteration.

271 8. Charred Documents 

272 Charred documents are particularly fragile and should be protected or immobilized as soon as 

273 possible to minimize damage. Any movement of the document or around the document (e.g., air 

274 circulation, doors opening, or foot traffic) can lead to damage of charred documents. As such, 

275 photographs should be taken when the document is discovered and it shall be photographed 

276 before it is moved. 

277 8.1. Collection

278 a) A rigid, flat box padded with sheet-cotton or similar material can be used to

279 immobilize and preserve the document.

280 NOTE If the intent of collecting the document includes analysis for volatile

281 substances, such as ignitable liquids, a non-breathable container should be used

282 (e.g., an unused paint can).

283 b) Charred documents are often found in multiple fragments and shall all be

284 collected.

285 c) Scene investigators should not attempt to separate or flatten documents on scene.

286 9. Liquid-Soaked Documents 

287 Wet documents are fragile and shall be handled delicately. As such, photographs should be 

288 taken when the document is discovered and it shall be photographed before it is moved, when 

289 possible. 

290 9.1. Collection

291 Collecting a wet document on scene should be done by sliding a flat, rigid, clean surface (e.g., 

292 cardboard sheet) underneath the item. The wet document should be transported atop the rigid 

293 surface to a location where it can be dried. Once dried, package documents in a breathable 

294 container. 

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295 NOTE If the intent of collecting the document includes analysis for volatile substances, such as 

296 ignitable liquids, a non-breathable container should be used (e.g., an unused lined paint can). A 

297 document that can be analyzed for volatile substances should not be dried. 

298 9.2. Handling Precautions

299 If the document is submerged in a liquid and there are concerns with the document fragility or 

300 integrity, the investigator should contact the FDE to get advice whether the document should be 

301 maintained in water, frozen, or otherwise preserved. 

302 When necessary, separating or unfolding a document should be done by an FDE or under their 

303 direction to minimize further alterations or damage.

304 9.3. Drying

305 Special considerations should be taken when drying wet documents as folded or multiple page 

306 documents can stick together. An FDE should be consulted prior to drying any wet and folded 

307 or multiple page document(s). 

308 a) Documents shall be dried in a secure location.

309 b) To dry a wet document, place the document atop an absorbent surface (e.g. a 

310 clean paper towel) or a surface that provides for airflow (e.g. a clean, non311 metallic window-type screen). Trace evidence shall be retained.

312 c) When documents are dried with a surface utilizing airflow, clean paper should be

313 placed underneath the item to catch possible trace evidence. Trace evidence shall

314 be retained.

315 d) Drying cabinets or fume hoods can be used to dry items.

316 9.4. Packaging 

317 a)After drying, the document shall be packaged within a clean, dry, rigid, and breathable material 

318 such as cardboard. If the original packaging is not suitable, the item shall be placed in new, 

319 clean breathable packaging and the original packaging shall be retained as evidence. The 

320 document should be packaged in a manner that secures or pads the document within the 

321 container. 

322 10. Collection of Documents for Physical Fit Examination 

323 Physical fit examinations consist of the evaluation, examination, and comparison of broken, cut, 

324 torn, or otherwise separated items to determine if two or more pieces were at one time a single 

325 source. Examples of document evidence for physical fit examination can include but are not 

326 limited to shredded paper, ripped checks, or torn typewriter ribbons. Handwriting, printing, 

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

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327 surface markings, or visible defects can continue across the separated items and can be useful

328 for association between different fragments. 

329 10.1. Collection

330 a) At the scene, if evidence can be of value for physical fit examination, all relevant

331 material (e.g., torn paper and pad) shall be collected.

332 b) Precautions shall be taken to preserve the fragile edges and prevent the loss,

333 damage, or contamination of exposed ends that can be capable of fitting together.

334 To minimize damaging fragile edges of the pieces, no attempt shall be made to

335 reassemble questioned evidence items prior to formal examination.

336 10.2. Shredded Paper

337 a) Shredded paper shall be collected with a minimum of disturbance to avoid

338 further mixing.

339 b) Shredded paper that is found in separate locations shall not be packaged together.

340 c) When possible, the entire shredder should be collected intact.

341 d) Shredded paper should be transported within the item in which it is found on the

342 scene. When found within a shredder, the bag or container which collects the

343 shredded paper should be used to collect and transport the fragments. When the

344 collection of the bag or container is not possible, ensure that commingled

345 fragments stay together when collected.

346 NOTE Fragments contained within the shredder blades shall be collected as well.

347

348

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

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349 Appendix A

350 (informative)

351 Bibliography 

352 This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list as the group recognizes other publications on this 

353 subject may exist. At the time this document was drafted, these were some of the publications 

354 available for reference. Additionally, any mention of a particular software tool or vendor as part 

355 of this bibliography is purely incidental, and any inclusion does not imply endorsement by the 

356 authors of this document. 

357 1] Bell, Suzanne. Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques,

5th 358 ed, Taylor & Francis, 2019. 

359 2] California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, Forensic Technology for

360 Law Enforcement, Telecourse, May 1993. 

361 3] Hilton, Ordway. Scientific examination of questioned documents. CRC press, 1992.

362 4] Koppenhaver, Katherine M. Forensic Document Examination: Principles and Practice. 

363 Springer, 2007. 

364 5] Lewis, Jane. Forensic Document Examination: Fundamentals and Current Trends. Elsevier,

365 2014. 

366 6] National Forensic Science Technology Center, Crime Scene Investigation A Guide for Law

367 Enforcement, September 2013. 

368 7] Saferstein, Richard. Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 9th ed. Pearson,

369 2006. 

370 8] Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination, SWGDOC E01-13:

371 Standard for Examination of Handwritten Items, January 2013. 

372 9] Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination, SWGDOC P01-13:

373 Standard for Preservation of Charred Documents, January 2013. 

374 10] Taylor M, Bird C, Bishop B, Burkes T, Caligiuri M, et al. Forensic handwriting

375 examination and human factors: Improving the practice through a systems approach. NIST 

376 Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), 2020 

377

378 11] U. S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Handbook

379 of Forensic Services, 2019. 

OSAC 2022-N-0035 Standard for On-Scene Collection and 

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