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 application of a clear polymer coating on a document(s) within a vacuum chamber to strengthen and stabilize the document(s).
a FR search of a probe image against a database to generate a candidate list.
A trained final response given by the canine that requires an inactive behavior such as sitting, staring or lying down. These types of behaviors are typically trained so as not to disturb the environment and/or forensic evidence. (See passive response, response.)
A trained final response given by the canine that requires an inactive behavior such as sitting, staring or lying down. These types of behaviors are typically trained so as not to disturb the environment and/or forensic evidence.
A trained final response given by the canine that requires an inactive behavior such as sitting, staring or lying down. These types of behaviors are typically trained so as not to disturb the environment and/or forensic evidence.
A trained final response given by the canine that requires an inactive behavior such as sitting, staring or lying down. These types of behaviors are typically trained so as not to disturb the environment and/or forensic evidence.
Any component of a building or structure that provides protection from fire or smoke without any type of system activation or movement. [3, 2018]
A type of response that the canine displays/indicates in a manner that does not disturb the environment (i.e., sit, stand, lie quietly, or focus/stare after the detector canine has detected a trained odor). (See passive alert.)
Skeletal and/or dental abnormality resulting from disease processes.
Skeletal abnormality resulting from disease processes.
A physician who has graduated from medical school and is either in a pathology residency or a forensic pathology fellowship program.
Optional portion of an impression intended to emboss, shred, or puncture the document at the location of the payee’s name on a check or similar document, or the part from which the designated impression is created.
Pulse Code Modulation. Refers to a method of representing an analog audio waveform with a series of quantizeddigital sample values.
A version of the WAV file format which saves the data as uncompressed linear PCM samples with a standard RIFFheader.
An additive for optimizing the specificity and yield of a PCR reaction.
Any substance that interferes with or prevents the synthesis of DNA during the amplification process.
Any substance that interferes with or prevents the synthesis of DNA during the amplification process.
The maximum Y-axis value obtained for a data peak, measured in relative fluorescence units.
The visual images of an allele or nucleotide in a DNA sequence as represented on an electropherogram by relative fluorescent units.
A family tree or a structure depicting relatedness and position of known and unknownpersons.
An independent evaluation of a scientific, professional, or academic manuscript or publication by a qualified second party to evaluate the claims, methods, interpretations, and conclusions.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB Technical Report 025, Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions, ASTM E2916-13 Standard Terminology for Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination.
Small hole or a group of small holes punched in a substrate.
A quality assurance measure to assess the functionality of laboratory instruments, reagents and equipment that affect the accuracy and/or validity of forensic sample analysis.
A quality assurance measure to assess the functionality of laboratory instruments and equipment that affect the accuracy or validity of forensic sample analysis.
A quality assurance measure to assess the functionality of the probabilistic genotyping software following a minor change such as reformatting of output reports. This would typically involve functional testing of the software verifying it is performing tasks as expected and comparing results to previously validated versions of the software using the same data or sample set where possible
The ongoing process of evaluating a forensic service providers ability to perform work. Examples include quality control measures, observation, case review, retesting, blind testing, testimony monitoring, intra- or interlaboratory comparisons, and proficiency testing.
A skeletal defect that occurred when bone is in a biomechanically fresh (visco-elastic) state with no evidence of an osteological reaction.
A canine trained to detect and alert to the presence of explosives and explosives related substances (e.g., propellants, oxidizers, precursors) for which it has been trained that may be person borne. The canine team is not EDC certified, however, the canine team may be responsible for searching its intended operational area and/or person(s) separated from their personal property.
A canine trained to detect and alert to the presence of explosives for which it has been trained that may be person borne. The canine team is not EDC certified, however, the canine team may be responsible for searching its intended operational area and/or person(s) separated from their personal property
Property, including clothing, jewelry, wallets, and other items found near/associated with an individual.
The association of a set of remains to a known individual.
The association of a set of remains to a known individual.
Equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards such as body fluids, irritants, or contaminants. Examples of PPE: gloves, foot and eye protection, respirators, and full-body suits. NOTE PPE may also help to minimize contamination and/or alteration of the scene.
Equipment worn for protection from discipline-specific environmental hazards, e.g., biological, radiological, chemical. For disaster canine applications in a rubble search, helmet, gloves, long pants/long sleeves, and safety toe/steel shank boots, which must be worn by the canine handler. Canine handler must also have eye protection and knee pads on hand, as they may be required by the hosting task force/agency.
Behavioral qualities of the canine that are relatively constant and reliable, and frame or affect the canine handler's response across contexts.
Positron emission tomography.