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.
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.
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.
Molecules that are properties of the external world objectively defined in terms of their physical and chemical characteristics and capable of being transposed by particular nervous systems into odors.
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.
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).
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.
any vibration direction in the plane of the a axis for uniaxial crystals.
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.
Procedures performed to verify that the technology or technical procedure is working as expected.
A type of verification in which the subsequent examiner knows the identity of the other examiner(s) and has access to their decisions, conclusions or observed data used to support their conclusion.
A designated search area for the purpose of conducting canine team exercises.
Footwear and tire examiners are aware they are being tested.
Utilizing a canine in a boat to locate the odor of human decomposition in a body of water.
When used in training, operant conditioning involves teaching an animal to perform a response in order to obtain a reward or avoid displeasure.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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 and designed to maintain a high level of competence or skill by ensuring the canine team's capability to perform desired tasks.
See mission requirements.