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Forensic Services Division
Forensic examiners in the Secret Service Forensic Services Division (FSD) provide analysis for
questioned documents, fingerprints, false identification, credit cards, and other related forensic
science areas. Examiners use both instrumental and chemical analysis when reviewing evidence.
FSD also manages the Secret Service’s polygraph program nationwide. The division coordinates
photographic, graphic, video, and audio and image enhancement service, as well as the Voice
Identification Program. In addition, FSD is responsible for handling the Forensic Hypnosis Program.
Much of the forensic assistance the Secret Service offers is unique technology operated in this
country only by FSD.
As part of the 1994 Crime Bill, Congress mandated the Secret Service to provide forensic/technical
assistance in matters involving missing and sexually exploited children. FSD offers this assistance
to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, the Morgan P. Hardiman Task Force and the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Questioned Document Section
Previously, FSD used the Forensic Information System for Handwriting (FISH) exclusively for our
protective intelligence cases. This system is now available to federal, state, and local
investigators in the investigations of threats against public officials, as well as cases
involving missing and sexually exploited children. FISH allows the document examiner to
scan and digitize text and writings, and later search that material against previously
recorded writings. Therefore, the Service is creating a national handwriting repository
for comparison purposes for handwritten letters in these types of cases.
Instrument Analysis Services Section
The Instrument Analysis Services Section houses the International Ink Library - the most
complete forensic collection of writing inks worldwide, that contains over 7,000 samples.
This collection is used to identify the source of suspect writing by not only providing
the type and brand of writing instrument, but the earliest possible date that a document
could have been produced. This Section also maintains a watermark collection of over
22,000 images as well as collections of plastics, toners and computer printer inks.
Fingerprint Identification Services Section
FSD also operates a hybrid Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). As of 1999,
this network is the largest of its kind and is composed of remote latent fingerprint
terminals providing a connection to fingerprint databases with access to more than 30
million fingerprints. This enables the fingerprint specialist to digitize a single
latent fingerprint from an item of evidence and to search for its likeness from
fingerprint databases throughout the country. These findings often provide the
investigator with a suspect's name.
Polygraph Examination Program
The Polygraph Examination Program is known as a forerunner in the law enforcement
community for advancing the fine art of physiologically detecting deception. Polygraph
examinations are a major investigative tool for all cases under the Secret Service
jurisdiction. Through proper use of the polygraph, the agency maintains a high
resolution of its investigations, resulting in a significant savings in the expenditure
of man-hours, equipment, and money. The Polygraph Program has a host of examiners
who are highly trained in interview and interrogation techniques. Each examiner is
capable of conducting a reliable polygraph examination on issues involving criminal,
national security, and employee-screening matters.
Visual Information Services Section
The Visual Information Services Section renders its support by providing photographic,
graphic, and video services, including audio and image enhancement. It is most noted
for establishing the Voice Identification Program.
Investigative Mission |
Counterfeit |
Financial Crimes |
Forensic Services
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