Striation Evidence in Counterfeiting Cases

Abstract There has been little information of recent vintage that deals with those unique striation mark identification criteria normally associated with paper cutting tools. Occasionally, forensic science laboratories have been provided with striation evidence where improper collection and transmittal procedures have hampered subsequent edge comparison analysis. This paper has been written in an attempt to bridge the generation gap with more recent tool mark evidence processing procedures. There are a variety of identification factors that are important in striation comparisons and should be considered by both the field investigators and administrative personnel in the transmittal and collection of pertinent evidence. The following factors are discussed in the paper: (1) production of striation markings, (2) variation in striation markings, (3) importance of clamp impression markings, (4) proper preservation and transmittal procedures for tool mark evidence, (S) collection of tool mark standards, and (6) a recent U.S. Secret Service counterfeiting case illustration.