Handwriting examination can be a useful supplement to other investigative tools in cases involving a range of incidents from fraud to workplace violence. Just as a fingerprint can place a suspect at a crime scene, each handwriting style has unique features that can tie a threatening letter or forged signature to a single suspect.

Handwriting examination focuses on the fact that most people's handwriting deviates from the model taught in grade school. Differences in the shape, size, and spacing of letters, as well as the ratio between upper and lowercase characters, are some of the components used to detect patterns in handwriting styles. In addition, a handwriting examiner will look for pauses, slants, extension of letters, and even pen pressure as clues to identify forgeries and suspects alike.

Although most security managers do not have the background to conduct their own handwriting examinations, they will play a vital role in deciding when to hire a handwriting examiner and what type of evidence to submit for examination. By understanding how the handwriting expert does his or her job, the security manager can make that job easier.