OSAC Lexicon
The OSAC Lexicon is a compendium of forensic science terms and definitions. This terminology tool was created to help bring consistency and understanding to the way terms are used by the various forensic science. Use of the OSAC Lexicon does not replace the need to reference the original published source.
The terms and definitions in the OSAC Lexicon come from the published literature, including documentary standards and technical reports. It is continually updated with the latest work from OSAC units, as well as terms from newly published documentary standards and standards elevated to the OSAC Registry.
Gradually terms are evaluated and harmonized by the OSAC to a single term. This process results in an OSAC Preferred Term. An OSAC Preferred Term is a term, along with its definition, that has undergone review and evaluation by the FSSB Terminology Task Group and has been approved by the FSSB. The FSSB recommends that subcommittees use OSAC Preferred Terms when drafting standards.
The OSAC Lexicon should be the primary resource for terminology and used when drafting and editing forensic science standards and other OSAC work products.
Demonstration of the canine's olfactory ability to alert to a target odor(s).
A test of the canine's olfactory ability to alert to target odor(s) in a controlled environment.
A test of the canine's olfactory ability to alert to target odor(s) in a controlled environment.
Area of concentrated target odor/scent.
A test of the canine's ability to alert to target odor(s)/scent(s) in a controlled environment.
The chemical profile of an odor produced by a substance.
Behaviors indicating that the dog will attack unless the stimulus eliciting the behavior withdraws (typically characterized by rigid, forward and upward body language and threatening postures intended to make the dog look larger).
Any work or interactions with the canine where the canine is not attached to a lead.
Any work or interactions with the canine where the canine is not attached to a lead.
The SI unit of electrical impedance or, in the direct current case, electrical resistance.
Of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell.
Of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell.
Procedures performed to verify that the technology or technical procedure is working as expected.
Any work or interactions with the canine where the canine is attached to a lead.
Any work or interactions with the canine where the canine is attached to a lead.
A designated search area for the purpose of conducting canine team exercises.
Utilizing a canine in a boat to locate the odor of human decomposition in a body of water.
A test conducted (single- or double-blind) in an operational environment in which the canine team will be deployed or utilized.
A test conducted (single- or double-blind) in an operational environment in which the canine team will be deployed or utilized.
A test conducted (single- or double-blind) in an operational environment in which the canine team will be deployed or utilized.
A test conducted (single- or double-blind) in an operational environment in which the canine team will be deployed or utilized.
A test conducted (single- or double-blind) in an operational environment in which the canine team will be deployed or utilized.
A test conducted (single- or double-blind) in an operational environment in which the canine team will be deployed or utilized.
A process that attests to the successful completion of an examination of relevant skills for the canine team to be deployed on operations.
When used in training, operant conditioning involves teaching an animal to perform a response in order to obtain a reward or avoid displeasure.
A person's years of training and experience related to mission specific objectives.
A test of the canine's olfactory ability to alert to target odor(s) in a controlled manner that the odor is readily available, but still visibly concealed from the canine and handler. Commonly, the baggage/parcels assessment is utilized for an operational odor recognition assessment.
Training conducted beyond the initial training of a discipline and designed to maintain a high level of competence or skill by ensuring the canine team's capability to perform desired tasks.
Training conducted beyond the initial training of a discipline and designed to maintain a high level of competence or skill by ensuring the canine team's capability to perform desired tasks.
Training conducted beyond the initial training of a discipline, designed to maintain a high level of competence or skill by ensuring the team's capability to perform desired tasks.
Training conducted beyond the initial training of a discipline, designed to maintain a high level of competence or skill by ensuring the team's capability to perform desired tasks.
Training conducted beyond the initial training of a discipline, designed to maintain a high level of competence or skill by ensuring the canine team's capability to perform desired tasks.
See mission requirements.
See deployment.
System software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
a specific set of programs that run on a computer or other digital device and provides a software platform for the device to function and on which other programs can run.
View, judgment, belief - takes into consideration other information in addition to observations, data, calculations, and interpretations.
Height of the surface at position (x, y).
A method of isolating DNA from cells involving phenol and other organic chemicals.
residues from the propellant and the priming mixture that are organic compounds.
Organization responsible for recovering organs from donors.
The general location where a fire or explosion began. (See Point of Origin, or Area of Origin.)
the location of the applied sample or the starting point for the chromatographic development of the applied sample.
The document or other substrate with the handwriting, machine, or other markings that caused indentation(s) on a document(s) or other substrate beneath it (the recipient document).
an accurate and complete replica of the primary image, irrespective of media.
Discussion—For film and analog video, the primary image is the original image.
in forensic audio, the first manifestation of sound in a recoverable stored format.
The Organization of Scientific Area Committees is part of an initiative by NIST and the Department of Justice to strengthen forensic science in the US. The organization is a collaborative body of more than 500 forensic science practicioners and other experts. NIST established OSAC to support the development and promulgation of forensic science consensus documentary standards and guidelines, and to ensure that a sufficient scientific basis exists for each discipline. See the OSAC website.
Technique that uses skeletal measurements and statistical models to objectively compare size and shape relationships between elements.