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.
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication which cannot be confirmed by the canine handler. This may be the result of residual scent that the canine can detect but which cannot be confirmed by technology or direct observation. A non-productive response may also be an errora false positivebut these outcomes cannot be distinguished in an operational environment.
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication which cannot be confirmed by the canine handler. This may be the result of residual scent that the canine can detect but which cannot be confirmed by technology or direct observation. A non-productive response may also be an errora false positivebut these outcomes cannot be distinguished in an operational environment.
Data from sources other than those collected from the scene of a fire or explosion incident.
The analysis of specimens to determine the presence or absence of specific substances from employees that are not mandated under federal statutes.
A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the condition anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat.
A 3D Topographic measurement made using hardware that does not comply with ANSI/ASB Standard 061, Firearm and Toolmarks 3D Measurement Systems and Measurement Quality Control. The accuracy and precision of these measurements may be uncertain and untraceable.
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
(1) not readily capable of burning with a flame. (2) not liable to ignite and burn when exposed to flame. Its antonym is flammable.
textile structure produced by bonding or interlocking of fibers, or both, accomplished by mechanical, chemical, thermal, or solvent means and combinations thereof.
a subclass of aliphatic hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2 , with a single unbranched chain of carbon atoms; also known as n-alkane.
a lens designed to approximate the field of view of the human eye without magnification or reduction.
adsorption in which the stationary phase is polar in relation to the mobile phase.
an element that is present in the glass matrix at elevated and relatively homogeneous concentration that may be used to normalize the laser ablation signal to compensate for any variation on the ablated mass or instrumental drift.
See green dog.
The DNA contained within a nucleus of eukaryotic organisms comprising the majority of the genome.
A transposition of any type of cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA into the nuclear genome of a eukaryotic organism.
Regions of mitochondrial DNA inserted into the nuclear genome over evolutionary time.
Enzymes that degrade (break down) nucleic acids.
irregularly formed grains without sharp faces or edges.
Nutrients provided to keep body condition at a healthy level in an adult canine without providing additional nutrients for growth, reproduction or weight gain, will vary with level of activity.
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands.
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands.
A lawyer's protest about the legal propriety of a question, response, or other evidence made with the purpose of obtaining a ruling from the trial judge about whether the question can be asked, the answer can be given, or the evidence can be admitted.
Training to enhance a canine team's proficiency using specific goals established prior to the initiation of the training.
Training to enhance a canine team's proficiency using specific goals established prior to the initiation of the training.
descriptions of expectations that learners must be able to exhibit before they are considered competent; objectives outline:
condition—the environment or circumstances in which the performance must be accomplished;
desired performance—what must be known or demonstrated; and
standard—the level of proficiency required to demonstrate an acceptable level of competence for the task or job.
Illumination from a light source that is at a low angle of incidence, or even parallel, to the surface ofthe item. (Also known as side lighting.)
Recognizing and noting an occurrence.
Any information seen within an impression that an examiner relies upon to reach a decision, conclusion, or opinion. This not only includes minutiae, but attributes such as clarity, scars, creases, edge shapes, pore structure, and other friction ridge features.
Any information seen within an impression that an examiner relies upon to reach a decision, conclusion, or opinion. This not only includes minutiae, but attributes such as clarity, scars, creases, edge shapes, pore structure, and other friction ridge features.
Any information seen within an impression that an examiner relies upon to reach a decision, conclusion, or opinion. This not only includes minutiae, but attributes such as clarity, scars, creases, edge shapes, pore structure, and other friction ridge features.
Any information seen within an impression that an examiner relies upon to reach a decision, conclusion, or opinion. This not only includes minutiae, but attributes such as clarity, scars, creases, edge shapes, pore structure, and other friction ridge features.
Any information seen within an impression that an examiner may rely upon to reach a decision, conclusion, or opinion. This not only includes minutiae, but attributes such as clarity, scars, creases, edge shapes, pore structure, and other friction ridge features.
in facial identification, the obscureness of features (that is, features blocked by sunglasses or objects in the environment, such as a tree).
A chart graphically illustrating the condition of the dentition, including but not limited to, missing teeth, restorations, and tooth orientation.
Forensic dentistry a specialized discipline in dentistry to identify individuals basedupon characteristics of their dentition and oral region.
Volatile chemicals emitted from a substance that are able to be perceived by olfaction. 'Odor' has traditionally referred to canine detection of a substance. 'Scent' has traditionally referred to canine detection of humans. (See scent.)
Volatile chemicals emitted from a substance that are able to be perceived by olfaction. 'Odor' has traditionally referred to canine detection of a substance. 'Scent' has traditionally referred to canine detection of humans.
Volatile chemicals emitted from a substance that are able to be perceived by olfaction.
Environmental conditions/factors/influences affecting the movement of odor. (See odor plume.)
Dispersion of odor in a given environment. (See odor dispersion.)
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.
The chemical profile of an odor produced by a substance.