ABSTRACT
The training of a forensic document examiner (FDE) is the foundation on which the expertise is built. A good training program will cover the various aspects of the discipline that are necessary to do the job. Apprenticeship training has been integral in many trades and disciplines for thousands of years. Skills, crafts, techniques, and knowledge are taught by working side by side with an experienced trainer. FDE training begins as an apprenticeship. This apprenticeship should last approximately 4,000 hours and include face-to-face meetings. Training and experience in handwriting examination is particularly essential. Because there is some similarity in everyone’s handwriting, trainees initially tend to see all similarities as significant and may ignore differences. Training has a profound effect on the qualifications of the FDE. Proper training allows the examiner to acquire and preserve expertise and should provide the foundation to minimize human error in the examination process.
