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.
Consists of a determination reached during the analysis phase after considering the quality, quantity, and specificity of features observed; to include class characteristics, characteristics of use, and limiting factors in an unknown impression in order to proceed with the examination process.
The usefulness of an impression for a further step in the examination process, such as comparison or Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) entry.
A decision made by an examiner in accordance with FSP policy and/or procedure as to whether or not an impression will proceed to the next step in the examination process.
A decision made by an examiner in accordance with FSP policy and/or procedure as to whether or not an impression will proceed to the next step in the examination process.
A decision made by an examiner in accordance with FSP policy and/or procedure as to whether or not an impression will proceed to the next step in the examination process.
A decision made by an examiner in accordance with FSP policy and/or procedure as to whether or not an impression will proceed to the next step in the examination process.
A decision made by an examiner in accordance with FSP policy and/or procedure as to whether or not an impression will proceed to the next step in the examination process.
(synonym of utility for Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) searches) A decision made by an examiner in accordance with FSP policy and/or procedure as to whether or not an impression will proceed to an ABIS database search. NOTE This designation is often referred to as “suitable for ABIS/AFIS” or “of value for ABIS/AFIS.”
A decision made by an examiner in accordance with FSP policy and/or procedure as to whether or not an impression will proceed to an ABIS database search.
NOTE This designation is often referred to as “suitable for ABIS/AFIS” or “of value for ABIS/AFIS.”
The usefulness of an impression for a further step in the examination process, such as comparison or Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) entry.
The usefulness of an impression for a further step in the examination process, such as comparison or Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) entry.
Data deemed appropriate for interpretation/comparison (see 3.1 and 3.5) based on developmental validation studies, the laboratory’s internal validation studies, and the laboratory’s documented and verified interpretation and comparison protocol.
A reinforced modified sulfur material, available in flake form that is a safer, stronger alternative to using pure sulfur in casting snow impressions.
a spectral artifact that results from the simultaneous detection of two X-rays, manifested as a peak at the combined energy of the detected X-rays.
a peak resulting from the simultaneous detection of two photons; this is manifested as a peak at the combined energy of line(s) for the specific element(s) involved.
use of a registered overlay as an aid to comparison.
A report used to document additional work performed with subsequent reporting of results
A report used to document additional work performed with subsequent reporting of results.
Attestation by the product supplier that a product supplied is in conformity with specified requirements.
the sum of all the work done to extinguish a fire, beginning at the time of its discovery.
The placement of human remains on the surface of the ground.
a colorant bound to the surface of a fiber.
Profile that results from the intersection of the real surface by a specified plane.
Devices or tissues that are surgically placed.
The subconscious impulse for the dog to defend itself from real or imagined danger.
The analysis of specimens from living subjects to determine the presence or absence of toxic substances.
Temporary invalidation of the statement of conformity for all or part of the specified scope of attestation.
Scientific Working Group for Forensic and Investigatory Voice.
SWGDE provides this Glossary of Terms with general, as well as discipline specific, definitions as they apply across the spectrum of image analysis, computer forensics, video analysis, and forensic audio. Sources are notated within brackets at the end of the definition when that definition came from outside of SWGDE. The following abbreviations will be used throughout this glossary and appear before the definition as applicable:
( i ) Image Analysis
( c ) Computer Forensics
( v ) Video Analysis
( a ) Forensic Audio
( p ) Photography
( q ) Quality & Standards
*This list is a duplication of the terms provided in the published document ‘SWGDE Digital & Multimedia Evidence Glossary,’ which can be downloaded from the Documents menu. However please note, this page is updated before the document is, therefore the most up to date version will appear here first.
Scientific Working Group for Disaster Victim Identification
Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study, and Technology.
to manually pass a magnetically encoded card through a card reader device to transfer information from the card.
Conformance to the relationships between fields, subfields, or information items within atransaction to other values within the same transaction as specified in this standard.
a class of manufactured polymeric fibers, which are synthesized from chemical compounds (for example, nylon and polyester).
(1) errors repeatedly introduced through automation (for example, errors in template generation or comparison); (2) errors repeatedly introduced through operational practices in an organization or unit (for example, improper lighting or camera position guidance).
spectral artifacts that result from the production of characteristic X-rays from structural components of the XRF instrument.
peaks that can occur in the X-ray spectrum as a result of interaction of the electron beam or fluorescent radiation with components of the scanning electron microscope itself.
in computer forensics, the time generated by the system clock and used by the operating system.
A method that employs a specific search sequence to increase accuracy and minimize omissions, while maximizing coverage. Such patterns usually have set start and stop points.
plates with appreciable thickness but less than the length or breadth.
property of an adhesive that allows it to form a bond immediately with a surface with the application of only slight pressure.
solid resins added to the adhesive base polymer to impart the necessary tack and adhesion.
low molecular weight organic material that is added to the adhesive base polymer to impart tack.
Any reward perceptible by touch for the canine.