Authors :
Dr. Ready Condry Rasekgoalo
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3j2s7m8e
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/mmzvppkf
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14504955
Abstract :
This research study critically investigates a
steep decline of forensic exhibits received by the Forensic
Science Laboratory (FSL) with specific focus to the
Questioned Documents Section (QDS). The QDS is
responsible for the forensic examination of forensic
evidence received, with a view to determine the
authenticity and the authorship as it may be requested by
the client. Over a period of six (6) calendar years (from
2018 to 2023), the QDS has experienced a precipitous
decline in a quantity of cases that were received for
forensic examination. This is in contrast to the increase in
fraud cases reported during the period under review, and
a general increase of crime in South Africa.
This research study aims to critically analyse the
decline of forensic exhibits received by the FSL-QDS and
to identify possible causes and the reasons for the decline
of cases received, with a view to make practical and
implementable recommendations that will assist in
addressing the precipitous decline of forensic exhibits
received by the QDS. The identified steep decline of cases
received by the QDS has the potential to threaten the
existence and relevance of the QDS as an important role-
player in the fight against crime through forensic
examination of questioned documents as required and
regulated by law.
QDS is a forensic discipline within the FSL, of which
the FSL is a component of the Forensic Services of the
South African Police Service (SAPS). The Forensic
Services was merged with the detective services to form
one division known as Detective and Forensic Services
(DFS). The FSL is a legal statute, which draws its mandate
from the section 205 (3) of the Constitution of South
Africa, which postulate, “the objects of the police service
are to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain
public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the
Republic and their property, and to uphold and enforce
the law.
This research study focuses on the QDS, which has
significantly been affected by a low number of forensic
exhibits received that resulted in amongst others, the
under-utilisation of the available human resources. A
causal relationship between the steep decline of cases
received by the FSL-QDS and the identified root causes
was successfully and convincingly identified (Bless &
Higson-Smith, 2000:40). A correlation was established between the decline of
forensic exhibits received and finalised by the FSL-QDS
and the increasingly development of forensic departments
within various private and government sectors, which
perform similar forensic services as the QDS of the FSL.
These services are performed with an improved turn-
around time and efficiency as compared to that of the
QDS. The evolving digital technology in the production of
documents was also identified as a contributing factor to
the problem.
Relevance:
This study is relevant as it addresses current
phenomenon that is plaguing the QDS, and threatens its
relevance and existence. Although the decline of cases
received by QDS nationally is of great concern, no study
was conducted to determine the root cause and to put
measures in place to curb the detrimental decline of cases
received. This study provides empirical evidence
pertaining to the decline of cases received by QDS, and
further makes practical recommendations that are
targeted at flattening the curve of the decline of cases
received. The recommendations further aim to increase
the utilisation of the QDS services by the investigating
officers in the fight against crime. In addition, this study
will elevate the value of QDS as a scientific entity that
plays a pivotal role within Criminal Justice System (CJS).
Target Audience:
The entire Criminal Justice System (CJS) cluster
and its partners are the target audience for this research.
This includes the South African Police Service, the
judiciary, government departments, private sectors,
academics, researchers, law enforcement agencies,
communities and societies, and national and the global
community. This research study is not only targeted to a
specific group of people, but to the public at large.
Research publication is one of the efficient way to
disseminate information to all interested audiences, and
to contribute to the body of knowledge in the scientific
fraternity.
Originality:
This scientific research study contains the original
research output, which was not researched before. The
research problem identified was discovered because of the
newly identified phenomenon in the QDS, and there is no
known research article or book published on the topicunder research. The scientific contribution to the field of
science will be new and unique of its kind.
Keywords :
Forensic exhibits, decline of cases, Forensic Science, forensic exhibits, Forensic Science Laboratory, Questioned (disputed) Documents, Criminal Justice System, Forensic Awareness, digital technology, Electronic or digital signatures, Artificial Intelligence, Digitally Acquired Signatures, Extinction, Catastrophe, Documents Examination, Rescue Mission, Pluralism, Obviate.
References :
- Bless, C. & Higson-Smith, C. 2000. Fundamentals of social research. An African perspective. 3rd edition. Cape Town: Juta Education (Pty) Ltd.
- Brunnelle, R.L. & Craawford, K.R. 2003. Advances in the Forensic Analysis and Dating of writing Ink. Springfield: Charles C Publisher.
- Brynard, D.J, Hanekom, S.X & Brynard, P.A. 2014. Introduction to research. 3rd edition. Pretoria: van Schaik Publishers.
- Communications Nodal Point. 2023. Request for nominations to attend the virtual e-signature session scheduled for the 29 September 2023 for the South African Police Service. Pretoria: Technology Management Services (2023-09-18).
- Denscombe, M. 2007. The good research guide for small-scale social research projects. Philadelphia, PA: Open University Press.
- FitzGerald, S.S. 2011. Manager’s guide to business writing. 2nd edition. New York: McGraw Hill.
- Forensic Science Laboratory business rules (FSL0001BR), 2018. Pretoria: Forensic Services. South African Police Service.
- Hamp-Lyons, L. & Heasley, B. 2006. Writing, a course in writing skills for academic purposes. 2nd edition. UK: Cambridge University Press.
- Houck, M.M. & Siegel, J.A. 2010. Fundamentals of forensic science. 2nd edition. United Kingdom: Elsevier Ltd.
- Huber, R.A. & Headrick, A.M. 1999. Handwriting identification: Facts and Fundamentals. Washington DC: CRC Press.
- Kelly, J.S. 2002. Forensic examination of rubber stamps. Springfield: Charles C Thomas Publisher LTD.
- KwaZulu Natal. 2014. Community Police Forum Pocket Guide. Cape Town: JUTA Law.
- Leedy, P.D & Ormrod, J.E. 2005. Practical research: planning and design. 8th edition. Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice Hall.
- Lewis, G. 2005. Identification system for Questioned Documents. 2nd edition. Springfield: Charles C Thomas Publisher LTD.
- More, H.W. & More, T.L. 2012. Effective police management: striving for accountability and competence. United States of America: Charles C Thomas Publisher, LTD.
- Snyman. C.R. 2014. Criminal Law. 6th edition. Durban: LexisNexis (Pty) Ltd.
- South Africa. 1996. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Pretoria: Government Printing.
- The Constitution. 1996. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Pretoria: Government Printers.
- Van der Westheuisen. J. 1996. Forensic Criminalistics. 2nd edition. Isando: Heinemann Higher & Further Education (Pty) Ltd.
- Welman, Kruger, & Mitchell. 2005. Research Methodology. 3rd edition. Cape Town: Oxford University Press.
- West, P. 2004. The handwriting analyst’s toolkit. East Sussex: Quarto Publishing.
This research study critically investigates a
steep decline of forensic exhibits received by the Forensic
Science Laboratory (FSL) with specific focus to the
Questioned Documents Section (QDS). The QDS is
responsible for the forensic examination of forensic
evidence received, with a view to determine the
authenticity and the authorship as it may be requested by
the client. Over a period of six (6) calendar years (from
2018 to 2023), the QDS has experienced a precipitous
decline in a quantity of cases that were received for
forensic examination. This is in contrast to the increase in
fraud cases reported during the period under review, and
a general increase of crime in South Africa.
This research study aims to critically analyse the
decline of forensic exhibits received by the FSL-QDS and
to identify possible causes and the reasons for the decline
of cases received, with a view to make practical and
implementable recommendations that will assist in
addressing the precipitous decline of forensic exhibits
received by the QDS. The identified steep decline of cases
received by the QDS has the potential to threaten the
existence and relevance of the QDS as an important role-
player in the fight against crime through forensic
examination of questioned documents as required and
regulated by law.
QDS is a forensic discipline within the FSL, of which
the FSL is a component of the Forensic Services of the
South African Police Service (SAPS). The Forensic
Services was merged with the detective services to form
one division known as Detective and Forensic Services
(DFS). The FSL is a legal statute, which draws its mandate
from the section 205 (3) of the Constitution of South
Africa, which postulate, “the objects of the police service
are to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain
public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the
Republic and their property, and to uphold and enforce
the law.
This research study focuses on the QDS, which has
significantly been affected by a low number of forensic
exhibits received that resulted in amongst others, the
under-utilisation of the available human resources. A
causal relationship between the steep decline of cases
received by the FSL-QDS and the identified root causes
was successfully and convincingly identified (Bless &
Higson-Smith, 2000:40). A correlation was established between the decline of
forensic exhibits received and finalised by the FSL-QDS
and the increasingly development of forensic departments
within various private and government sectors, which
perform similar forensic services as the QDS of the FSL.
These services are performed with an improved turn-
around time and efficiency as compared to that of the
QDS. The evolving digital technology in the production of
documents was also identified as a contributing factor to
the problem.
Relevance:
This study is relevant as it addresses current
phenomenon that is plaguing the QDS, and threatens its
relevance and existence. Although the decline of cases
received by QDS nationally is of great concern, no study
was conducted to determine the root cause and to put
measures in place to curb the detrimental decline of cases
received. This study provides empirical evidence
pertaining to the decline of cases received by QDS, and
further makes practical recommendations that are
targeted at flattening the curve of the decline of cases
received. The recommendations further aim to increase
the utilisation of the QDS services by the investigating
officers in the fight against crime. In addition, this study
will elevate the value of QDS as a scientific entity that
plays a pivotal role within Criminal Justice System (CJS).
Target Audience:
The entire Criminal Justice System (CJS) cluster
and its partners are the target audience for this research.
This includes the South African Police Service, the
judiciary, government departments, private sectors,
academics, researchers, law enforcement agencies,
communities and societies, and national and the global
community. This research study is not only targeted to a
specific group of people, but to the public at large.
Research publication is one of the efficient way to
disseminate information to all interested audiences, and
to contribute to the body of knowledge in the scientific
fraternity.
Originality:
This scientific research study contains the original
research output, which was not researched before. The
research problem identified was discovered because of the
newly identified phenomenon in the QDS, and there is no
known research article or book published on the topicunder research. The scientific contribution to the field of
science will be new and unique of its kind.
Keywords :
Forensic exhibits, decline of cases, Forensic Science, forensic exhibits, Forensic Science Laboratory, Questioned (disputed) Documents, Criminal Justice System, Forensic Awareness, digital technology, Electronic or digital signatures, Artificial Intelligence, Digitally Acquired Signatures, Extinction, Catastrophe, Documents Examination, Rescue Mission, Pluralism, Obviate.