FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Forensic Document Examiner

1. Who do I contact for information about or an application for the Crime Laboratory's Forensic Document Examiner position?

For information about the position, or to apply, please contact the San Diego County Department of Human Resources at 619-236-2191 or on the Internet at http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us.

2. Are there any prerequisites to becoming a Forensic Document Examiner?

Yes. A person who applies for the position of Forensic Document Examiner should meet the following education/experience requirements:

• Minimum of a Baccalaureate degree, preferably in the physical sciences. Successful completion of form blindness and color blindness tests.
• Successful completion of a two- to three-year training program in Forensic Document Examination.
• Certified by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) or a Regular member of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners (ASQDE).
• Pass a background check.
• Candidates must also have a valid California Class C driver's license.

3. What are the job duties and responsibilities of a Forensic Document Examiner?

Forensic Document Examiners (FDEs) are responsible the examination and comparison of signatures, handwriting, typewriting, computer-generated printing, photocopies and photocopiers, inks, writing instruments, indented impressions, alterations and obliterations, hand stamps, paper and generally anything involved I the production of a document. The examination is conducted to determine the authenticity, source, age or content of the document.

FDEs testify in court as expert witnesses in a wide range of cases. They also train investigative personnel and attorneys in the evidential value of document evidence.

4. What kind of training is available?

In addition to training within the Sheriff's Crime Laboratory, FDEs have many opportunities to receive training outside of the laboratory from various agencies, such as the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Training includes access and exposure to various advanced document examination methods and equipment.

5. Are there internships available in the Document Examination Section?

Currently there are no internships available.