Dr Audrey Giles B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D., is a forensic scientist specialising in the scientific examination of documents and handwritings. She was formerly the Head of the Questioned Documents Section of the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory (Scotland Yard).

With over thirty years’ experience, Dr Giles is one of the foremost authorities in her field. She leads the scientific work of the Giles Document Laboratory where she is fully supported by technical, administrative and information technology staff.

Training and background

Dr Giles trained in all aspects of Forensic Document Examination in the Questioned Documents Section of the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory (MPFSL) in London, where she worked for thirteen years. In 1986 she was appointed Head of that Section supervising the work of twelve experienced scientists. In addition to carrying out her own casework, her responsibilities at that Laboratory included direction of research, Quality Assurance and the Training of Questioned Document Examiners. From 2002 – 2009 Dr Giles was registered with the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners and was a Speciality Assessor of candidates for registration.

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The Giles Document Laboratory

In 1989 Dr Giles left the MPFSL to set up her own independent Laboratory. The Giles Document Laboratory is equipped to the highest standards for Forensic Document Examination. The Laboratory has made specific investment to ensure that the most up-to-date equipment is available for all necessary examinations, including the latest in Video Spectral Comparators and Raman Spectrometry for ink examinations, electrostatic detection equipment (ESDA) for detecting impressions, etc. Dr Giles works closely with manufacturers in the development of new equipment, software and techniques. The Laboratory also uses image capture and processing software to provide demonstration material for reports and Courts. The Giles Document Laboratory is accredited to the internationally recognised Quality Standard, BS EN ISO 9001 : 2008

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Standing in the profession

Dr Giles is an active member of the leading learned organisations in the field:

• The Forensic Science Society
• The American Society of Questioned Document Examiners
• The Gesellschaft für Forensische Schriftuntersuchung

She has attended meetings in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and South America, contributing papers on original research carried out at the Giles Document Laboratory. She chaired the Forensic Science Society Questioned Document Group Meetings in 1987, 1991 and 1998. In 1999 she was appointed Chair for the Questioned Documents discipline at the 15th Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences in Los Angeles, USA.

She has contributed to scientific journals and forensic science text books and is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners. She has been appointed as an external examiner by the University of Strathclyde and has appeared as a consultant expert on television and radio a number of times.

In 1992 Dr Giles gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology (Sub-committee on Forensic Science), and in 1994 participated in the development of National Vocational Qualifications in Questioned Document Examination and in the Working Group for the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP).

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Casework and Court Attendance

Dr Giles has provided independent expert advice to Claimants, Defendants and Prosecutors in thousands of cases, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.

Dr Giles advises a wide range of clients:

Her experience is extensive in presenting expert evidence in British and international courts of law (including the International Court in The Hague) as well as Arbitration and Employment Tribunals. As an expert who deals with both civil and criminal cases, she has given evidence in the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the County Court, the Crown Court and Magistrates Courts. She has been trained in the role of Single Joint Expert and routinely acts in this capacity.

The Giles Document Laboratory is fully equipped and provides an authoritative, independent forensic document examination service to clients the world over.