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.
The appearance of unintended analyte signal in samples after the analysis of a positive sample
appearance of unintended analyte signal in samples after the analysis of a positive sample
In computer forensics, to extract a portion of data for the purpose of analysis.
A type of file (electronic or hard copy) in which all documentation and case relevant information is kept and maintained.
Data exhibiting features that are representative of a plausible range of casework conditions for mixtures and single-source samples. These features include masked/shared alleles and stutter, degradation (including different degradation levels for different contributors to a mixture), allele and locus drop-out, and PCR inhibition
Samples from known individuals with known testing results prepared within the laboratory to simulate a range of samples typically encountered by the testing laboratory in casework. The use of a range of test samples in validation studies facilitates the development of protocols for casework.
A method of preserving and recovering an impression utilizing an appropriate casting material.
(1) A description of the canine's movement as the canine searches for and/or follows the concentration of target odor/scent. (2) A directional command to the canine.
Dental stone, snow print plaster, sulfur, or other suitable materials specifically used to accuratelyrecover three-dimensional impressions. Some casting materials are also successful for lifting twodimensional impressions.
Dental stone, snow print powder, sulfur, or other suitable materials specifically used to accuratelyrecover three-dimensional impressions. Some casting materials are also successful for lifting twodimensional impressions.
The transitional phase of the hair follicle between the active growth phase (anagen) and the resting phase (telogen) in the hair growth cycle.
the transitional phase of the hair follicle between the active growth phase (anagen) and the resting phase (telogen) in the hair growth cycle.
A substance whose presence initiates or changes the rate of a chemical reaction, but does not itself enter into the reaction.
Partial or complete clouding of the lens in the eye that leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts can be genetic or acquired.
Partial or complete clouding of the lens on the eye that leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts can be genetic or acquired.
Emission of photons in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), and infrared (IR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum as a result of electron beam interaction with certain materials.
Emission of photons in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), and infrared (IR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum as a result of electron beam interaction with certain materials
The circumstances, conditions, or agencies that brought about or resulted in the fire or explosion incident, damage to property, bodily injury, or loss of life.
A medical opinion of the disease or injury that resulted in a person's death.
Common Biometric Exchange Formats Framework. It provides a set of definitions usedto exchange biometric data in a standardized manner. It forms the basis for Type-99records.
Charge coupled device; 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
Committee to Define an Extended Fingerprint Feature Set.
A relatively thin layer of flowing hot gases that develops under a horizontal surface (e.g., ceiling) as a result of plume impingement and the flowing gas being forced to move horizontally.
A buoyant layer of hot gases and smoke produced by a fire in a compartment.
A thin, transparent sheet made of regenerated cellulose that can be used as a backing material in tape products.
A type of transparent film that is used for tape backings. DiscussionA matte surface is used for write-on tapes. Cellulose acetate is more moisture-resistant than cellophane.
fiber composed of polymers formed from glucose subunits (for example, vegetable, rayon/Lyocell).
any cartridge that has its primer central to the axis in the head of the case. AFTE Glossary, 6th Ed.
A process that attests to the successful completion of an examination of relevant skills for the canine team.
A process that attests to the successful completion of an examination of relevant skills for the canine team.
A process that attests to the successful completion of an examination of relevant skills for the canine team.
A process that attests to the successful completion of an examination of relevant skills for the canine team.
Procedure by which a third party gives written assurance that a person, product, process, or service conforms to specific requirements (ISO/IEC Guide 2:2016).
A process that attests to the successful completion of an examination of relevant skills for the canine team.
Procedure by which a third party gives written assurance that a person, product, process, or service conforms to specific requirements.
Certification is the recognition that a canine-handler team has acquired and demonstrated specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities in the standard practices necessary to execute the duties of a canine team. Certification also provides the fire investigator a means of identifying those canine-handler teams that have successfully demonstrated compliance with established requirements. In addition, certification establishes that a canine-handler team achieves and maintains proficiency.
(1) in computer forensics, a trusted third party entity that issues digital certificates certifying the ownership of a public key by the subject named in the certificate, and trusted by both entities engaged in a digital transaction; (2) in facial identification, a body that issues biometric documents and certifies that the data stored on the documents are genuine.
An element of the odor/scent recognition or operational assessments.
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.