ASTM E2765-11

Standard Practice for Use of Image Capture and Storage Technology in Forensic Document Examination (Withdrawn 2020)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The procedures outlined here are grounded in the generally accepted body of knowledge and experience in the field of forensic document examination, forensic photography, and forensic digital imaging. By following these procedures a forensic document examiner can use image capture technology reliably in support of examinations. This support can include:
Documentation of the item(s) submitted for examination, its condition upon receipt, and its condition at various points during the examination process;
Demonstration of findings and the bases for determinations;
Visualization of features and characteristics not readily perceptible to the human eye.  
The effects of prior storage, handling, testing, or chemical processing (for example, for latent prints) can interfere with certain characteristics to an extent that can limit (or even preclude) subsequent imaging. Whenever possible, capture images of the item to be examined prior to any chemical processing. Handle items appropriately to avoid compromising subsequent examinations of any kind.
The technological evolution of hardware, or software, or both can impact subsequent ability to access archived images.
Note 1—For further discussion see SWGIT, Section 1.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides procedures to be used by forensic document examiners (Guide E444) using image capture and storage technology.  
1.2 These procedures are applicable whether the use of the image capture technology involves an item(s) associated with a matter under investigation (questioned or known items), or is for reference.
1.3 These procedures include evaluation of the sufficiency of the available imaging capture and storage technologies.
1.4 Procedures are also outlined for image archiving.
1.5 The particular methods employed in a given case depend upon the nature of the item, or the question at hand, or both.
1.6 This practice might not cover all aspects of the use of image capture and storage technology involving unusual or uncommon items.
1.7 This practice cannot replace the requisite knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through appropriate education, training (Guide E2388), and experience and should be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This practice provides procedures to be used by forensic document examiners (Guide E4441) using image capture and storage technology.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences, this practice was withdrawn in January 2020 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2011
• Withdrawal Date: 08-Jan-2020
• ICS: 07.140 - Forensic science
• Technical Committee: E30 - Forensic Sciences
• Drafting Committee: E30.90 - Executive

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2765 − 11
Standard Practice for
Use of Image Capture and Storage Technology in Forensic
1
Document Examination
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2765; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This practice provides procedures to be used by forensic 2.1 ASTM Standards:
document examiners (Guide E444) using image capture and E312 Practice for Description and Selection of Conditions
storage technology. for Photographing Specimens Using Analog (Film) Cam-
eras and Digital Still Cameras (DSC)
1.2 These procedures are applicable whether the use of the
E444 Guide for Scope of Work of Forensic Document
image capture technology involves an item(s) associated with
Examiners
a matter under investigation (questioned or known items), or is
E1422 Guide for Test Methods for Forensic Writing Ink
for reference.
Comparison
1.3 These procedures include evaluation of the sufficiency
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
of the available imaging capture and storage technologies.
E2195 Terminology Relating to the Examination of Ques-
tioned Documents
1.4 Procedures are also outlined for image archiving.
E2388 Guide for Minimum Training Requirements for Fo-
1.5 The particular methods employed in a given case
rensic Document Examiners
depend upon the nature of the item, or the question at hand, or
3
2.2 SWGIT Documents:
both.
Section 1 Overview of SWGIT and the Use of Imaging
1.6 This practice might not cover all aspects of the use of
Technology in the Criminal Justice System
image capture and storage technology involving unusual or
Section 2 Considerations for Managers Migrating to Digital
uncommon items.
Imaging Technology
Section 3 Guidelines for Field Applications of Imaging
1.7 This practice cannot replace the requisite knowledge,
skills, or abilities acquired through appropriate education, Technologies in the Criminal Justice System
Section 5 Recommendations and Guidelines for the Use of
training (Guide E2388), and experience and should be used in
conjunction with sound professional judgment. Digital Image Processing in the Criminal Justice System
Section 8 General Guidelines for Capturing Latent Impres-
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
sions Using a Digital Camera
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Section 11 Best Practices for Documenting Image Enhance-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ment
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Section 13 Best Practices for Maintaining the Integrity of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Digital Images and Digital Video
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
Section 15 Best Practices for Archiving Digital and Multi-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
media Evidence (DME) in the Criminal Justice System
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Information regarding Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technology
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.90 on Executive. (SWGIT) is available from International Association for Identification (IAI), 2535
Current edition approved March 1, 2011. Published March 2011. DOI: 10.1520/ Pilot Knob Road, Suite 117, Mendota Heights, MN 55120-1120, http://
E2765-11. www.theiai.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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E2765 − 11
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2.3 SWGIT/SWGDE Documents: 3.2.17 image processing log, n—a record of the steps used
SWGIT/SWGDE Digital and Multimedia Evidence Glos- in the processing of an image. SWGIT/SWGDE
sary
3.2.18 imaging technology, n—any system (or method) used
to capture, store, process, analyze, transmit, or produce an
3. Terminology
image. Such systems include film, electronic sensors, cameras,
3.1 For definitions of terms in this Practice, refer to Termi-
video devices, scanners, printers, computers, etc.
nology E1732 and Terminology E2195.
SWG
...