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.
Structurally Sound
The anatomical correctness of the feet and legs of an animal.
Structured Light Projection
Surface topography measurement method whereby a light image with a known structure or patternis projected on a surface and the pattern of reflected light together with knowledge of the incidentstructured light allows one to determine the surface topography.
Stub
Sub-Generic Class
Sub-Surface Deposition
The placement of human remains under ground or surface area, i.e., buried or underwater
Subdirectory
subhedral
crystals with imperfectly developed faces.
Subject Acquisition Profile
Subject Of The Transaction
The person to whom the transaction applies. The subject of a record need not be thesubject of the transaction.
Submersion
The placement of a document(s) into a liquid to facilitate cleaning, unfolding, or separation of the document(s).
submersion
The placement of a document(s) into a liquid to facilitate cleaning, unfolding, or separation of the document(s).
Submissiveness
Willingness of the canine to yield to or cede control to a handler, another person or animal.
subpoena
An order of the court for a witness to appear at a particular time and place to testify and/or produce documents in the control of the witness.
Substance Detection
Recognition and response to trained target odor.
Substrate
Surface upon which a friction ridge impression is deposited.
suicide (manner of death)
Death resulting from a volitional, self-inflicted act.
suitability
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.
suitability (synonym of utility)
The usefulness of an impression for a further step in the examination process, such as comparison or Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) entry.
suitability decision
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.
suitability decision (synonym of utility decision)
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.
suitability decision, utility decision
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.
suitability decision, utility decision
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.
suitability decisions, utility decisions
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.
suitability for Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) searches
(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.”
suitability for Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) searches, 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.”
suitability, utility
The usefulness of an impression for a further step in the examination process, such as comparison or Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) entry.
suitability, utility
The usefulness of an impression for a further step in the examination process, such as comparison or Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) entry.
Suitable for Interpretation/comparison
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.
Sulfur
Sulfur Cement
Sulfur Cement
A reinforced modified sulfur material, available in flake form that is a safer, stronger alternative to using pure sulfur in casting snow impressions.
Sum Peak
Sum Peak
Superimposition
Superimposition
Supervised casework
Supplemental Report
A report used to document additional work performed with subsequent reporting of results
supplemental report
A report used to document additional work performed with subsequent reporting of results.
Suppliers Declaration
Attestation by the product supplier that a product supplied is in conformity with specified requirements.
Suppression
Surface Deposition
The placement of human remains on the surface of the ground.
Surface dye
Surface Profile
Profile that results from the intersection of the real surface by a specified plane.
surgical implants
Devices or tissues that are surgically placed.
Survival Drive
The subconscious impulse for the dog to defend itself from real or imagined danger.
suspected poisoning toxicology
The analysis of specimens from living subjects to determine the presence or absence of toxic substances.
Suspension
Temporary invalidation of the statement of conformity for all or part of the specified scope of attestation.
Swg-Voice
Scientific Working Group for Forensic and Investigatory Voice.
SWGDE Glossary
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.
Swgdvi
Scientific Working Group for Disaster Victim Identification