COLONEL VENI RUTHENAVELU: PIONEERING FORENSIC EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENT ANALYSIS

By The South African Police Service

• Colonel Veni Ruthenavelu has transitioned from a career in Chemistry to leading the Question Documents Section at the Plattekloof Forensic Science Laboratory, where she plays a crucial role in analysing counterfeit currencies, security documents, and handwriting.
• In a constantly evolving field, Ruthenavelu not only develops training manuals and mentors new analysts but also ensures her team stays ahead of emerging criminal tactics by advocating for technological advancements.
• Her contributions have earned her team national awards, and she envisions a future where digital solutions replace traditional paper, urging the next generation of analysts to embrace and lead in this digital transformation.

This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) celebrates Women’s Month by spotlighting the remarkable contributions of its women in blue through a series of profiles. Today, we introduce Colonel Veni Ruthenavelu, whose passion for collecting banknotes and stamps led her to a distinguished career in forensic document analysis.

Colonel Ruthenavelu’s journey began in the Chemistry environment, where she worked as an analyst for three years. However, with an honours degree in Chemistry, she found the routine nature of chemical analysis unfulfilling and sought a new challenge. This quest for something different led her to the relatively obscure field of Question Document Analysis at the Plattekloof Forensic Science Laboratory.

Question Document Analysis, a field not widely known even within policing circles, involves the meticulous examination of documents across six levels:

• Level 1: Analysis of counterfeit or fraudulent banknotes from various countries.
• Levels 2-4: Examination of other security documents such as identity documents, passports, and educational qualifications.
• Levels 5 and 6: Focus on handwriting and signature analysis.

Ruthenavelu explains that the field of Question Document Analysis developed out of a need to support criminal cases in court, with its roots traced back to the United States. Despite its significance, there is still no specialised qualification for this field in South Africa. As a result, prospective analysts are typically drawn from disciplines such as Chemistry, Criminology, Computer Science, and Police Science. They undergo intensive in-house training, which includes three to five months of on-the-job experience and ongoing mentorship across all levels.

Even for those already qualified, continuous professional development is crucial. Ruthenavelu, as a manager, develops training manuals to ensure that her team remains ahead of the evolving criminal tactics. Given that forensic experts are often called to testify in court, Ruthenavelu also conducts mock trials within her section to prepare her team for real court scenarios.

Reflecting on her career, Ruthenavelu acknowledges that while her Chemistry degree could have led her to other roles, her work in the Question Documents Section is particularly gratifying. The knowledge that their work makes a significant impact on the lives of ordinary people and contributes to society gives her a deep sense of fulfilment.

Collaboration is vital in this field, and Ruthenavelu and her team regularly interact with institutions such as the Reserve Bank, the US Secret Service, the Chinese Government, immigration officials, and airport authorities.

Looking ahead, Ruthenavelu envisions a future where banknotes become obsolete and everything transitions to a paperless system. She advocates for the rapid adoption of technological advancements in the field, especially given the sophisticated nature of modern-day fraud.

Colonel Ruthenavelu’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her section won the Best Forensic Section award at the National Excellence Awards for 2022/2023, and the Western Cape team secured the Best Question Documents award for two consecutive years at the Division Awards.

As a mother of two, Ruthenavelu hopes to see more young analysts enter the field and lead the unfolding digital era. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how passion, continuous learning, and innovation can drive excellence in forensic science.