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.
An element of the canine team odor/scent recognition or operational assessment.
Document issued under the rules of a certification system, indicating that adequate confidence is provided that a product, process, or service conforms with a specific standard or other normative document.
A record of the certification achieved by a competent canine team, maintained separately from other records, i.e., training, assessments or discipline-related deployment records. A record documenting the performance of the canine team, especially an account of an act or occurrence kept in writing or some other permanent form, i.e. digital format, which is discoverable.
The rules, procedures and management for implementing person, product, process, and service certification.
The organization authorizing the certification of a canine team.
The organization authorizing the certification of a canine team.
The organization authorizing the certification of a canine team.
The organization authorizing the certification of a canine team.
The organization authorizing the certification of a canine team.
The organization authorizing the certification of a canine team.
A person who has been delegated the authority to conduct an evaluation (assessment and/or certification) and/or sign certificates on behalf of an organization or entity, that recog
A person who has been delegated the authority to conduct an evaluation (assessment and/or certification) and/or sign certificates on behalf of an organization or entity, that recog
A person who has been delegated the authority to conduct an evaluation (assessment and/or certification) and/or sign certificates on behalf of an organization or entity, that recog
A person who has been delegated the authority to conduct an evaluation and/or sign certificates on behalf of an organization or entity, that recognizes a team has been trained to a particular standard within the organization.
reference material (RM) characterized by a metrologically valid procedure for one or more specified properties, accompanied by an RM certificate that provides the value of the specified property, its associated uncertainty, and a statement of metrological traceability.
Reference material characterized by a metrologically valid procedure for one or more specified properties, accompanied by a certificate that provides the value of the specified property, its associated uncertainty, and a statement of metrological traceability
Chronological record of the handling and storage of an item from its point of collection to its final return or disposal.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB 019, Wildlife Forensics General Standards and ANSI/ASB Technical Report 025, Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions
procedures and documents that account for the possession of a sample by tracking its handling and storage from its point of collection to its final disposition.
The chronological documentation or paper trail, showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of physical or electronic evidence.
a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind.
a glass enclosure in which TLC development is carried out.
A characteristic pattern of behaviors, as recognized by the canine handler that occurs when the canine detects a trained scent. This differs from other olfactory interest that otherwise are exhibited by the canine in response to the daily environment. The initial change of behavior typically leads to following the scent to its source/target. The pattern of behavior may be unique to each canine.
A characteristic pattern of behaviors, as recognized by the canine handler that occurs when the canine detects a trained scent. This differs from other olfactory interest that otherwise are exhibited by the canine in response to the daily environment. The initial change of behavior typically leads to following the scent to its source/target. The pattern of behavior may be unique to each canine.
A characteristic pattern of behaviors, as recognized by the canine handler that occurs when the canine detects a trained scent. This differs from other olfactory interest that otherwise are exhibited by the canine in response to the daily environment. The initial change of behavior typically leads to following the scent to its source/target. The pattern of behavior may be unique to each canine.
A characteristic pattern of behaviors, as recognized by the canine handler that occurs when the canine detects a trained odor. This differs from other olfactory interest that otherwise are exhibited by the canine in response to the daily environment. The initial change of behavior typically leads to following the odor to its source/target. The pattern of behavior may be unique to each canine.
A characteristic pattern of behaviors, as interpreted by the canine handler that occurs when the canine detects a trained odor/scent. This differs from other olfactory interest that otherwise are exhibited by the canine in response to the daily environment. The initial change of behavior typically leads to following the odor/scent to its source/target. The pattern of behavior may be unique to each canine. (See interest.)
Carbonaceous material that has been burned or pyrolyzed and has a blackened appearance.
Convex segments of carbonized material separated by cracks or crevasses that form on the surface of char, forming on materials such as wood as the result of pyrolysis or burning.
Comprises the components of the test, the procedure used, limitations of the test, and the methods for detection and analysis including whether the test is presumptive or confirmatory and the type of body fluid, stain, or residue being targeted.
minutiae of the component characteristics.
particles that have compositions rarely found in particles from any source other than GSR.
X-ray emission resulting from de-excitation of an atom following inner shell ionization.
Discussion—The energy of a characteristic X-ray is related to the atomic number of the atom, providing the basis for energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
a highly porous form of amorphous carbon.
negative charge accumulation on either a nonconductive sample or a sample that is not properly grounded.
Discussion—This effect can interfere with image formation and X-ray analysis because of beam deflection. It can usually be eliminated by the application of a conductive coating or by the use of a low vacuum system.
a silicon-based semiconductor chip consisting of a linear or two-dimensional array of photo sensors or pixels that transfers an electrical charge and converts it into a digital value
A solid laminated board with a covering of white paper on at least one side (not foam core board) used to provide a firm and smooth backing when obtaining known tire impressions.
The innate impulse of the canine to pursue a moving object (prey, ball, scooter, etc.)
A method of DNA extraction involving Chelex resin; since one step of the method requires boiling, the extracted DNA is single-stranded.
a device designed to cause a mechanical explosion by overpressure of the container due to a chemical reaction; generally produced by the mixing of commonly available chemicals or products. Discussion—Examples include the mixing of hydrochloric acid and aluminum foil; and mixing sodium hydroxide; water and aluminum foil.
The medical examiner, coroner, justice of the peace or other official who oversees the operation of a medicolegal death investigation office and/or system.
The effect of heat on odor/scent such that the odor/scent rises and travels through the air in a manner affected by air movement and temperature through convection. The end effect is that odor/scent is detected in a place that is different from the source. This can happen indoors or outdoors.
The vertical airflow within buildings caused by the temperature-created density differences between the building interior and exterior or between two interior spaces. Also known as the stack effect.
An organic compound containing chlorine atoms.
the saturation or brilliance of a color, from 0 (no color) to ~8 (for vividly colored soils) or higher (for non-soil materials) in the Munsell color system.
the series of bands visible on the adsorbent layer after development.
A physical method of separation in which the components to be separated are distributed between two phases, one of which is stationary (stationary phase) while the other (the mobile phase) moves in a definite direction.
a separation technique in which the flow of solvent causes the components of a mixture to migrate differentially from a narrow initial zone over a planar, thinly-applied porous adsorptive medium.