What are 'indented writings', and how are they detected in CSI?

What are 'indented writings', and how are they detected in CSI?

Richard Saferstein (Former Chief Forensic Scientist) gives expert video advice on: What does a 'document examiner' examine in CSI?; What clues does a document examiner look for in handwriting evidence?; How is handwriting tested in CSI? and more...

What is an indented writing? Let me give you an example. For instance, if somebody writes a word on page 1 of a notebook, a copy or an impression of that writing may exist on page 2 or page 3. The way the writing that is exposed or we call the "indented writing" is to use an instrument known as an ESDA, which stands for an Electrostatic Detection Apparatus. This applies an electrostatic charge to the page thought to to have contained the indented writing, along with a charge sensitive toner. The combination of those steps may result in the development of indented writing.