Biographical

Profile and Qualifications

Richard Picciochi has been a Forensic Document Examiner and Expert Witness since 1982. He is retired from the NYPD forensic laboratory where he was a detective, document analyst and the Technical Supervisor in the Questioned Document Section. As a forensic scientist he has examined thousands of handwriting and questioned document cases, participated in numerous high profile investigations and testified in trials including the “Zodiac” homicides and terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Mr. Picciochi earned a Master of Science degree with a concentration in forensic science and a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in the natural sciences. He has completed extensive formal training and receives continuous specialized training in addition to proficiency testing in the field of handwriting and document analysis.

In the course of his career Mr. Picciochi has been qualified to testify numerous times as an expert witness in Federal, New York State Supreme, Criminal and District Courts, Grand Jury, depositions and civil hearings.

Certification

Mr. Picciochi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) and was awarded certification upon completion of comprehensive written, practical and oral examinations.

The ABFDE is an independent certifying body that was incorporated in 1977 for the dual purpose of establishing, maintaining and enhancing standards of qualifications for those who practice forensic document examination and to certify individuals who comply with ABFDE requirements for qualified specialists. In doing so, the Board aims to safeguard the public interest by ensuring that anyone who claims to be a specialist in forensic document examination does, in fact, possess the necessary skills and qualifications.

The ABFDE is the only certifying board recognized by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners.

Professional Memberships

Mr. Picciochi is a member of the following scientific organizations and frequently participates in their programs:

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

International Association for Identification

Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists

American Society for Testing and Materials

New York Microscopical Society

American Chemical Society