Mr. Sachs has had a long and multifaceted career in the criminal justice system. After retiring from policing, he transitioned into the legal framework, contributing to the operation of the courts. In recent years, Mr. Sachs has expanded his skill set by incorporating specialized training in questioned handwriting and document examination, leveraging this expertise to establish a private practice. This venture benefits from his decades of experience in law enforcement and the judicial system. Throughout his career, Mr. Sachs has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to integrity, justice, and public service.

Signature verification in forensic handwriting analysis involves a detailed process to determine if a signature is genuine or forged. I begin by examining the questioned signature alongside known samples from the person, analyzing features such as line quality, letter shapes, pen pressure, writing speed, and unique habits such as how someone forms a “t” or loops an “l.” Using tools like magnifying glasses or microscopes, I check for signs of tracing, hesitation, or unnatural strokes that might suggest forgery. It’s not just about matching; I also consider whether the signature fits the context, such as the date or document type. The goal is to provide a clear, expert opinion backed by evidence on whether the signature is real, often detailed in a report for clients or court use.

Anonymous writing is text, such as a threatening letter or note, where the author attempts to hide their identity. As a forensic handwriting expert, I analyze it by comparing the anonymous sample to known writing from suspects, looking at traits like letter shapes, connections, spelling quirks, and even how someone holds a pen. I use tools like microscopes to spot tiny details, such as a shaky line or unique flourish, that might link it to a person. It’s not just about handwriting; I also check word choices or grammatical habits that could match a suspect’s style. The aim is to narrow down or identify the author with solid evidence, often for a report or court case.

A forensic document expert examines documents by closely studying their physical and written features to uncover authenticity, alterations, or origins. I start with the naked eye and tools like microscopes or specialized lighting, checking paper texture, ink types, and printing methods for signs of tampering such as erased lines, added text, or mismatched fonts. For handwriting, I compare signatures or notes to known samples, analyzing stroke patterns, pressure, and quirks like misspellings. I might also test for age, such as faded ink or worn edges, to see if the document fits its claimed date. The result is a detailed opinion, backed by evidence, on whether the document is real or manipulated, often for legal use.

As a forensic document examiner, I use a variety of tools in my lab to analyze documents and uncover the truth. I rely on a digital microscope to zoom in on tiny details like ink lines or paper fibers. UV and infrared lights help reveal hidden alterations, such as faded ink or erased marks that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Digital cameras and scanners capture high-resolution images for comparison or court displays. Basic tools like rulers and protractors measure angles or alignments, all working together to spot fakes or alterations.