STRP Members & Reports

Anthropology

OSAC 2024-S-0001, Guidance Document for Understanding and Implementing the Minimal Components of a Quality Assurance Program in Forensic Anthropology. 

A Quality Assurance (QA) program is necessary to ensure a consistent, trustworthy, and high quality work product produced by an analyst. This document outlines the basic components of a QA program and serves as guidance to forensic anthropology laboratories that have not yet pursued accreditation through an accrediting body. In instances where a laboratory has formal accreditation, those provisions supersede the guidance provided in this document.

Note: This document is intended to identify the minimal components of a QA program for forensic anthropology laboratories and provide instructional information to define and implement these components. The target audience is anthropologists performing forensic casework within a larger entity that provides little to no administrative support for establishing a full quality assurance system that meets an accrediting body’s requirements or international standards such as ISO 17020. For example, a forensic anthropologist who works within an academic department that does not recognize forensic casework as a significant aspect of its mission or scope, and which handles a limited number of cases each year. Also, it is intended for a sole practitioner who does not have the necessary infrastructure to meet an accrediting body’s requirements or international standards. Laboratories that perform forensic casework on a regular basis, especially those with contracts from medicolegal authorities, are expected to seek formal accreditation through a certified accrediting body.  

STRP Members (panel established on November 7, 2023):

OSAC committee liaison to the panel: Deb Pinto, Dallas County

Biology/DNA

OSAC 2020-S-0004, Standard for Interpreting, Comparing, and Reporting DNA Test Results Associated with Failed Controls and Contamination Events. This standard provides requirements for the interpretation, comparison, and reporting of DNA data associated with control failures or contamination where re-testing is not performed. DNA data associated with a failed control or a contamination event may still be scientifically valid and may be relevant to an investigation. These standards may be applied to any type of forensic DNA testing technology and methodology when conducted in an accredited forensic laboratory. OSAC 2020-S-0004 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established October 2, 2020):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Charlotte Word, Human Forensic Biology Subcommittee affiliate.

OSAC 2021-S-0003, Standards for Setting Analytical and Stochastic Thresholds for Application to Forensic DNA Casework Using Electrophoresis Platforms. These standards shall be used by forensic laboratories which, as part of their casework data analysis processes, are manually making: a) binary determinations that a peak in an electropherogram is not the result of random fluctuations intrinsic to the analytical process; rather it is a peak that is representative of allele(s) or artifact(s); and b) binary determinations that allele drop-out did not occur. This standard is applicable to forensic STR DNA typing performed on electrophoresis platforms. OSAC 2021-S-0003 STRP Report | Response to STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established December 15, 2020):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Christian Westring, Human Forensic Biology Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2021-S-0021, Forensic Autosomal STR DNA Statistical Analyses - General Protocol, Protocol Verification, and Case Record Requirements. Forensic DNA testing requires that statistical calculations be performed on evidentiary DNA profiles that are established as relevant in the context of the case to aid in the assessment of an inclusion or positive association with a known individual. Calculations commonly used are the likelihood ratio (LR), random match probability (RMP), or combined probability of inclusion or exclusion (CPI/CPE). This standard provides general requirements for the laboratory protocol for performing statistical analyses, verification and consistency of use of the protocol, and documentation in the case record of all pertinent information regarding the statistical calculations. This standard applies directly to testing performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of autosomal loci having short tandem repeats (STR); many of the general requirements may also apply to other types of DNA testing and analysis. OSAC 2021-S-0021 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established July 8, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Mike Coble, Human Forensic Biology Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2021-S-0028, Standard for Use of Serological Testing Methods Associated with Forensic Investigations. This standard provides requirements for documented analytical procedures/protocols needed for the use of forensic serological methods to evaluate body fluids, stains, or residues associated with forensic investigations. It includes requirements for laboratory facilities and evidence control; use and monitoring of the analytical procedures; and reagents, chemicals, and equipment used for forensic serological testing. Also, requirements for personnel and training, equipment maintenance/calibration, report writing, and reviews are covered in this standard. OSAC 2021-S-0028 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established August 26, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Christie Smith, Human Forensic Biology Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2021-S-0029, Standard for Familial DNA Searching. This standard requires laboratories that perform familial DNA searches to have a written policy with criteria for:

• accepting a familial DNA search request, administrative structure, and responsibilities; 
• the search process, data verification, and validation; 
• reporting results; and
• safeguarding individual privacy and confidentiality of the results.

OSAC 2021-S-0029 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established August 13, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Ann Marie Gross, Human Forensic Biology Subcommittee affiliate.

OSAC 2022-S-0024, Best Practice Recommendations for Evaluative Forensic DNA Testimony. This document describes best practices for the communication of biological results and opinions in the field of Forensic Biology. It addresses testimony given sub-sub-source, sub-source, source, and activity level propositions. This document will not consider the highest level of the Hierarchy of Propositions (crime level). This document does not give guidance on how to obtain findings (DNA results/statistics) or form opinions (how or when to have an opinion that evidence supports a proposition or that the findings are neutral for a given pair of propositions). Rather, the purpose is to focus on best practices for the communication of findings and opinions in the role of an expert witness. 

OSAC 2022-S-0024 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established February 11, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Tim Kalafut, Sam Houston State University.

OSAC 2022-S-0040, Standard for Internal Validation of DNA Extraction Methods. This document details requirements when performing an internal validation of DNA extraction methods prior to implementation within a forensic DNA laboratory and is intended to be used in conjunction with ASB 038 Standard for Internal Validation of Forensic DNA Analysis.

STRP Members (panel established January 20, 2023):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Susan Greenspoon, Virginia DFS

OSAC 2022-S-0041, Best Practice Recommendations for Internal Validation of DNA Extraction Methods. This document provides best practice recommendations when performing an internal validation of DNA extraction methods, and is intended to be a companion document to ASB 038 Standard for Internal Validation of Forensic DNA Analysis Methods and ASB XXX Standard for Internal Validation of DNA Extraction Methods. This level of detail is intended to provide process experts a roadmap to bring DNA extraction methods online.

STRP Members (panel established January 20, 2023):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Susan Greenspoon, Virginia DFS

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

OSAC 2021-S-0011, Standards for the Technical Review of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Reporting. This document is intended to be applicable to all reports where bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) classifications or BPA case conclusions are rendered. OSAC 2021-S-0011 STRP Report | Response to STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established April 22, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: LeeAnn Singley, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-0030, Standard for Methodology in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Scope in draft form. OSAC 2022-S-0030 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established April 11, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Nicole Blackwell, Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory

Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction 

OSAC 2022-S-0036, Standard Method for the Chemical Testing of Copper and Lead from Suspected Projectile Impacts. This document provides scene investigators and scene reconstructionists with standard methods for the
chemical testing of suspected projectile impacts for the presence of copper or lead residues. This standard
is specifically meant to address the field processing of suspected projectile impacts. Collection of an item
with a suspected projectile impact for testing in the controlled conditions of a laboratory should be
considered when practical and warranted by the circumstances. Chemical processing and enhancement of
gunshot residue patterns for the purpose of muzzle-to-target distance determinations or wound ballistics is
beyond the scope of this standard.

STRP Members (panel established November 14, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Matt Noedel, Noedel Scientific

OSAC 2022-S-0037, Standard for DNA-Based Taxonomic Identification in Forensic Entomology. This document outlines the current best practices to be used when employing DNA-based techniques to identify species, or higher taxonomic categories, of entomological origin for forensic investigation purposes. Potential applications include the estimation of some portion of the postmortem interval (PMI); however, methods for estimating PMI after a specimen has been identified are beyond the scope of this document.

STRP Members (panel established March 2, 2023):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Jeffrey Wells

Digital Evidence

OSAC 2022-S-0031, Standard Guide for Forensic Digital Video Examination Workflow. This guide provides a generalized workflow suitable for all digital video examinations performed to address forensic questions. This workflow includes the assessment, processing, and analysis of video. Prior steps such as the retrieval and proper handling of the evidence are assumed. Refer to ASTM WK61709, Standard Practice for Data Retrieval Digital Video Recording Systems and SWGDE Best Practices for Digital Forensic Video Analysis for additional information. This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework. This guide does not purport to address safety concerns. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. No system units are required for this standard guide.

STRP Members (panel established October 3, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Spencer Ledesma, Houston Forensic Science Center

Facial Identification

OSAC 2020-S-0002, Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults. This document is meant to be used in conjunction with ASTM E3149 for Morphological Analysis. It describes the relative physical stability of facial features of adults when assessing the observed component characteristics within a single living subject as an aid to the facial comparison examiner. This document refers only to adult (post-pubescent) subjects and does not address the stability of features in children due to rapid developmental changes. It does not cover the entire comparison process. OSAC 2020-S-0002 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established September 22, 2020):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Lora Sims, Facial Identification Subcommittee chair (former).

OSAC 2022-S-0007, Standard Guide for Facial Comparison Overview and Methodology Guidelines. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines and recommendations for conducting comparisons of faces unfamiliar to the practitioner. This document reviews general types of facial comparisons, methods, human ability, and applications of facial comparison and provides recommendations for general practices and methodologies to conduct facial comparisons. 

STRP Members (panel established February 2, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Kaitlyn Polinski, NCTC.

OSAC 2022-S-0008, Standard Guide for Minimum Facial Image Comparison Documentation. The purpose of this guide is to provide  a suggested framework, guidelines, and a common baseline of information for facial image comparison documentation and reporting. Documentation includes notes, images with markups and annotations, narratives, worksheets, electronic records, investigative lead or forensic reports, or any combination of these. This guide does not discuss methods for how to conduct a facial image comparison, opinion scale(s), or details that may be agency specific. Report due April 14, 2023.

STRP Members (panel established April 13, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Denell Payne, Riverside County Sheriff's Office

Firearms & Toolmarks

OSAC 2023-S-0018, Standard Test Method for the Restoration of Obliterated Serial Numbers and Other Markings. This standard provides procedures for the restoration of obliterated serial numbers and other markings by forensic firearm and toolmark examiners or technicians. These procedures include the most commonly-used techniques. Other techniques may be available and appropriate, but are beyond the scope of this document. Following these procedures, an examiner or technician will be able to conduct, document, and report on any results of the restoration of obliterated serial numbers and other markings.

Only serial number restoration in the context of firearms will be referred to in the remainder of this document.  However, these procedures may be applicable to the restoration of serial numbers or other markings on firearms and non-firearm items, as well as other markings.

STRP Members (panel established September 1, 2023):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Rebecca Mullen, Arkansas Crime Lab

OSAC 2023-S-0028, Best Practice Recommendation for the Resolution of Conflicts in Toolmark Value Determinations and Source Conclusions. This document describes the best practice recommendations for resolving conflicts with toolmark value determinations or source conclusions that may arise between examiners at any point during the verification process. Throughout this document, the term “toolmark” is used to refer to both firearm-produced and non-firearm-produced toolmarks. This document specifies and provides examples for addressing the following: Conflicting value determinations, conflicting source conclusions, documentation and reporting of conflict resolution. This document does not address differences of opinion that occur during a consultation or any organizational response once an error is discovered or the conflict(s) are resolved.

STRP Members (panel established on September 18, 2023):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: James (Jim) Carroll, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Crime Laboratory

OSAC 2024-S-0002, Standard Test Method for the Examination and Comparison of Toolmarks for Source Attribution. This standard provides procedures for the microscopic evaluation, classification, and comparison of toolmarks for source attribution and defines the minimum requirements for supporting documentation. Throughout this document, the term “toolmark” is used to refer to both firearm-produced and non-firearm-produced toolmarks.

STRP Members (panel established October 30, 2023):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Stephanie Happ, El Paso County Sheriff's Office

Footwear and Tire

OSAC 2022-S-0032, Best Practice Recommendation for the Chemical Processing of Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence. This document is a best practice recommendation for forensic professionals who are responsible for the collection and examination of footwear and/or tire impression evidence encountered at crime scenes or in the forensic laboratory. Transfer impressions are commonly made on a two dimensional surface by a footwear or tire as a result of coming in contact with and acquiring dust, residue, blood, mud, or other materials that the footwear or tire subsequently deposits or transfers to a substrate in the form of an impression. Following the recommendations in this document can result in developing additional detail and/or contrast in footwear and tire impression evidence. Chemical processing procedures that are commonly used in the forensic community are included. This document does not purport to cover all chemical processing techniques or formulations that are available. Deviations from this document may preclude enhancement of impressions. This document is not intended as a substitute for training in chemical processing procedures for footwear and tire impression evidence. Completion of a training program and experience is essential to understanding and applying the principles outlined in this document.

STRP Members (panel established October 21, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Lisa Ragaza, Maine State Police Crime Laboratory

OSAC 2023-S-0017, Standard for the Articulation of Footwear and Tire Interpretations. This standard provides a framework for a justifiable, transparent, and understandable means of articulating results/interpretations in the footwear/tire evidence discipline. This standard defines terms, describes comparative observations and interpretations of data, and establishes model qualitative articulations for the range of results/interpretations that may be reached following footwear/tire evidence comparisons. For the purpose of this standard, results/interpretations are defined as expert opinions based on the questioned impression, known items, direct observations, and any other task relevant information. The results/interpretations are derived using acquired knowledge, training, skills, and experience of the footwear/tire evidence examiner. This standard does not cover the following topics: Results/interpretations derived directly from and/or entirely dependent upon validated probability models or quantitative processes. Determination of the relevant population for evaluation. Detailed guidelines for documentation of comparisons and results/interpretations. Detailed guidelines for reporting and testifying. Results/interpretations in which an examiner is assessing the type or categorization of a single item. Results/interpretations in which an examiner is comparing two questioned impressions to each other (without known footwear/tire). Results/interpretations in which an examiner is assessing the events or activities that produced the given evidence. Validation or verification of these results/interpretations.

STRP Members (panel established May 30, 2023):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Nicole Ritchitelli, West Virginia University

Forensic Document Examination

OSAC 2022-S-0034, Standard for the Expression of Conclusions in Forensic Document Examination. This document provides standardized terms, definitions, and usage examples relevant to expressing the conclusions of FDEs. This standard may not cover all wording or conclusions given for unusual or uncommon examinations.

STRP Members (panel established August 24, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Miriam Angel, Los Angeles Police Department

Friction Ridge

OSAC 2020-S-0001, Standard for Friction Ridge Examination Proficiency Testing Program. WITHDRAWN. No report.

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Henry Swofford, Friction Ridge Subcommittee Chair.

OSAC 2022-S-0012, Standard for Proficiency Testing in Friction Ridge Examination. This document prescribes the minimum requirements for the selection, development, validation, administration, evaluation, and documentation of proficiency tests used by forensic service providers (FSPs) for purposes of assessing the performance of the FSP personnel and overall FSP quality system related to friction ridge examination. These requirements are applicable to tests generated internally by FSPs and tests obtained from external sources. This document does not address requirements related to: 1.) the specific method(s) for conducting friction ridge examinations and 2.) validation of novel or existing methods prior to implementation. OSAC 2022-S-0012 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established October 27, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Henry Swofford, Friction Ridge Subcommittee Chair.

OSAC 2022-S-0038, Standard for Feature Selection in Friction Ridge Examination. This standard specifies the features that can be utilized during friction ridge examinations. This standard does not address the examination methodology or documentation.

STRP Members (panel established September 20, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Henry Swofford, NIST

OSAC 2023-S-0026, Task-Relevant Information in Friction Ridge Examination. This document specifies information that is task-relevant and task-irrelevant for friction ridge examinations, i.e., Analysis, Comparison, and Evaluation. This document does not address other tasks that friction ridge examiners perform, such as collection, preservation, processing, conducting Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) searches, conflict resolution, and verification. This document also does not address the relevance of information necessary for administrative tasks, accreditation requirements, or reporting of results. This document does not address requirements regarding exposure to task-irrelevant information in friction ridge examinations.

STRP Members (panel established August 31, 2023):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Simon Cole, University of California - Irvine

Ignitable Liquids/Explosives/Gunshot Residue

OSAC 2022-S-0002, Standard Practice for the Analysis of Organic Gunshot Residue (OGSR) by Gas Chromatography– Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). This practice covers the analysis of organic gunshot residue (OGSR) by electron ionization-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-(EI)MS). This practice does not address the analysis of inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) or primer gunshot residue (pGSR). OSAC 2022-S-0002 STRP Report | STRP Response

STRP Members (panel established November 8, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Candice Bridge, Ignitable Liquids, Explosives, & Gunshot Residue Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-0003, Standard Practice for the Analysis of Organic Gunshot Residue (OGSR) by Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). This practice covers the analysis of organic gunshot residue (OGSR) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This practice does not address the analysis of inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) or primer gunshot residue (pGSR). OSAC 2022-S-0003 STRP Report | STRP Response

STRP Members (panel established November 8, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Candice Bridge, Ignitable Liquids, Explosives, & Gunshot Residue Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-0004, Standard Classification for Ignitable Liquids Encountered in Fire Debris Analysis. This standard covers the classification of ignitable liquids encountered in forensic fire debris analysis and includes classification of petroleum and non-petroleum based ignitable liquids. This standard is intended for use in conjunction with approved extraction practices and instrumental test methods used to isolate and classify ignitable liquids (ASTM E1386, E1388, E1412, E1413, E2154, E2881, E3189, EXXX Interpretation). 

WITHDRAWN. No STRP Report generated – after the STRP provided initial comments to the subcommittee, it was determined that upgrades to the document would be executed as part of the ASTM standards development process.

STRP Members (panel established November 2, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Laura Hernandez, Verity Labs, Inc., Ignitable Liquids, Explosives, & Gunshot Residue Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-0005, Standard Test Method for Interpretation of Gas Chromatography-Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometry Data for the Identification of Ignitable Liquid Classes in Fire Debris Analysis. This test method covers the interpretation of data obtained from ignitable liquids encountered in forensic fire debris analysis and includes requirements for the identification of a class of petroleum and non-petroleum based ignitable liquids. This test method is suitable for data obtained from liquid samples and extracts obtained from solid fire debris samples, including those that may contain strong contributions from substrate materials or pyrolysis and combustion products. This standard is intended for use in conjunction with ASTM E1618.

WITHDRAWN. No STRP Report generated – after the STRP provided initial comments to the subcommittee, it was determined that upgrades to the document would be executed as part of the ASTM standards development process.

STRP Members (panel established November 2, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Laura Hernandez, Ignitable Liquids, Explosives, & Gunshot Residue Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-0006, Standard Practice for Gas Chromatography Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Ignitable Liquids. This practice covers the instrumental analysis of ignitable liquids, as well as extracts from fire debris samples, by gas chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC MS). It describes performance criteria for use during initial GC-MS method development and optimization, data evaluation and acceptance criteria, quality assurance and quality control considerations, and limitations.  

WITHDRAWN. No STRP Report generated – after the STRP provided initial comments to the subcommittee, it was determined that upgrades to the document would be executed as part of the ASTM standards development process.

STRP Members (panel established November 2, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Kim Kunkler, Ignitable Liquids, Explosives, & Gunshot Residue Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-2023, Standard Practice for the Forensic Analysis of Explosives by Polarized Light Microscopy. This practice addresses the use of polarized light microscopy (PLM) to identify explosive-related compounds from intact explosives and post-blast residues containing unconsumed explosive compounds, and to isolate them for further analysis. This practice is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework (refer to the T/SWGFEX Suggested Guide for Explosives Analysis Training). This practice does not purport to address all of safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

STRP Members (panel established March 2, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: William Randle, Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab

Medicolegal Death Investigation

OSAC 2022-S-0022, Standard for Disaster Victim Identification. The purpose of this document is to provide a standard for medicolegal death investigation authorities, practitioners and planners to make identifications and ensure their accuracy in disaster victim identification (DVI) operations responding to mass fatality incidents (MFI). Although resource restrictions can limit the practice in a given MFI, resources are necessary to be made available to implement this standard. While the same basic process is used worldwide, this document is written from a U.S. perspective with American jurisdictions in mind.

STRP Members (panel established August 11, 2022):

Seized Drugs

OSAC 2022-S-0013, Standard Guide for Testimony by Forensic Science Practitioners Offering Expert Testimony in Seized Drugs Analysis. This standard covers testimony in criminal, civil or regulatory proceedings by forensic science practitioners (FSPs) regarding the analysis of seized drugs. It includes general recommendations regarding testimony in the seized drugs discipline as well as parameters for testimony training, the evaluation of testimony, and testimony monitoring programs. OSAC 2022-S-0013 STRP Report 

STRP Members (panel established February 11, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Charlene Rittenbach, Seized Drugs Affiliate and Claire Dragovich, Seized Drugs, FSSB TG: PT

OSAC 2022-S-0014, Building an Analytical Scheme for the Assessment of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
in Suspected Marijuana Plant Material Samples. This standard covers options for building an analytical scheme for the analysis and identification of suspected marijuana plant material in seized drugs. This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners (FSPs) with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917 and 16 Practice E2326), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.

STRP Members (panel established September 6, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Sarah Shuda, The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education

Toxicology

OSAC 2020-S-0003, Guidelines for Performing Alcohol Calculations in Forensic Toxicology. This document provides guidelines for performing alcohol (ethanol) calculations. Guidance on calculations for retrograde extrapolation, forward estimations, minimum drinks consumed, and other typical situations are addressed. Recommendations are provided for evaluation of post absorptive stage, various specimen types, and population variances. Reporting of calculations is also addressed. This guideline is intended for an expert performing alcohol calculations, whether as an employee of a public or private laboratory, or as an independent forensic service provider. It applies to matters related to criminal and/or civil proceedings. OSAC 2020-S-0003 STRP Report | STRP Response

STRP Members (panel established September 11, 2020):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Jennifer Limoges, Forensic Toxicology Subcommittee affiliate.

OSAC 2021-S-0004, Standard Practices for Evaluating Measurement Uncertainty of Quantitative Measurements in Forensic Toxicology. This document provides minimum requirements for evaluating measurement uncertainty for quantitative measurements in forensic toxicology. The document is for both testing and calibration activities and provides direction on evaluation of components, bias, calculations, and reporting. While the document addresses calibration of breath alcohol measuring instruments, it does not address evaluating measurement uncertainty for breath alcohol testing. This topic will be covered in a different document. OSAC 2021-S-0004 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established January 22, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Tate Yeatman, Forensic Toxicology Subcommittee Vice Chair.

Trace Materials

OSAC 2022-S-0015, Standard Guide for Forensic Physical Fit Examination. This guide covers the forensic physical fit examinations for the macroscopical and microscopical examinations of broken, torn, or separated materials for the purpose of determining whether or not they at one time formed a single item. This guide is intended as an overview of the physical fit examination of these materials and to assist individuals in the evaluation and documentation of their physical comparisons. OSAC 2022-S-0015 STRP Report | STRP Response

STRP Members (panel established December 8, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Tatiana Trejos, Trace Materials Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-0017, Standard Guide for Microspectrophotometry in Forensic Fiber Analysis. This guide is intended to assist forensic science practitioners (FSPs) with procedural recommendations for conducting spectral measurements of color on single fiber samples using ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), near infrared (NIR), or fluorescence emission analyses, and on comparing samples on the basis of these measurements. Spectral measurement of color (referred to as color measurement in this document) by microspectrophotometry is part of a broader analytical scheme. This guide primarily focuses on color measurements within the visible spectral range, but includes some details concerning measurements in the UV and NIR spectral ranges. The particular method(s) employed by each FSP depends upon available equipment, FSP training (Practice E2917, Practice WK78748), sample suitability, and sample size. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. OSAC 2022-S-0017 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established April 7, 2022):

OSAC 2022-S-0019, Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Fibers. 1.1 This document is an introduction to the examination of textile fibers in forensic casework. It is intended to assist individuals who conduct fiber analyses in their evaluation, selection, and application of tests that can be of value to their examinations. The goal is to provide a consistent approach to fiber analysis. Detailed descriptions of procedures for many of the techniques are addressed in separate documents (E2224, E2225, E2227, E2228). This document is not intended as a detailed process description or rigid scheme for the analysis and comparison of fibers, but as a guide to the strengths and limitations of each analytical technique.
1.2 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal
education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic
casework. 1.3 This guide does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. OSAC 2022-S-0019 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established April 12, 2022). 

OSAC 2021-S-0013, Standard Guide for Post Mortem Examination Photography. This standard provides procedures describing specific photography and lighting techniques for documenting post mortem examinations. These photographs serve as a permanent record of the examination, related evidence, and findings. This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience, and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. OSAC 2021-S-0013 STRP Report | Task Group Response to STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established March 31, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Keith Mancini, Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis (VITAL) Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2021-S-0027, Standard Guide for Laboratory Photography. This standard provides guidelines for the photographic documentation of evidence in the laboratory or another controlled environment. This document is not intended to address techniques using a scanner. OSAC 2021-S-0027 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established October 4, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Aaron Matson, Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2021-S-0036, Standard Guide for Image Authentication. This standard provides information on the evidentiary value, methodology, and limitations when conducting an image authentication examination as a part of forensic analysis. The intended audience is examiners in a laboratory setting. The scope of the document includes image content authentication and image source authentication but does not include the interpretation of image content. WITHDRAWN. OSAC 2021-S-0027 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established October 14, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Wendy A. Dinova-Wimmer, Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2021-S-0037, Standard Guide for Forensic Photogrammetry. This standard provides basic information on conducting photogrammetric examinations as a part of forensic analysis. The intended audience is examiners in a laboratory and/or field setting. OSAC 2021-S-0037 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established October 26, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Wendy A. Dinova-Wimmer, Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-0001, Standard Guide for Image Comparison Conclusions/Opinions. This standard defines conclusions (hereafter “opinions”) categories that shall be reached by a practitioner performing comparisons of people, objects, or scenes captured in images (e.g., face, vehicle, clothing, skin detail, etc.), regardless of the process by which opinions are reached (i.e., the examination methodology). It does not address opinions stated in terms of quantitative probability models, to include numerical assessments of the strength or weight of evidence, or the documentation or reporting of opinion (FISWG Minimum Guidelines for Facial Image Comparison Documentation, SWGDE Technical Overview for Forensic Image Comparison). This standard does not supersede published opinion scale standards for other disciplines. OSAC 2022-S-0001 STRP Report | STRP Response

STRP Members (panel established December 3, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Lora Sims, Facial Identification Subcommittee chair (former).

OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos. This guide outlines best practices for photographing scars, marks, and tattoos on living or deceased persons to achieve high quality images and optimize database searches and manual comparisons. This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience, and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

STRP Members (panel established December 15, 2022):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Rand Swartz, Anne Arundel County Police Department

Wildlife Forensics

OSAC 2021-S-0006, Standard for the Use of GenBank for Taxonomic Assignment of Wildlife. This standard covers the requirements and recommendations for analysis and selection of DNA sequences retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s GenBank and their subsequent use as reference material for taxonomic identification of wildlife. This standard does not cover the use of DNA sequences from other public sequence databases (e.g., BOLD, UNITE), the protocol for downloading sequences from GenBank for inclusion in in-house databases, or the use of custom BLAST searches against GenBank. However, the criteria can be conceptually applied to other sequence databases. OSAC 2021-S-0006 STRP Report | Response to STRP

STRP Members (panel established February 10, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Kelly Meiklejohn, Wildlife Forensic Biology Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2021-S-0014, Standard for Reference Collections in Wildlife Forensic Biology: Genetics and Vertebrate Morphology. This standard provides requirements for acquiring, verifying the taxonomic identity of, and curating reference specimens to be used in wildlife forensic casework, research, training, validation studies, and proficiency testing related to taxonomic identification using genetics or vertebrate morphology. This standard also provides requirements for permanently removing reference specimens from a collection. This document does not address standards for capture and euthanasia of live animals to be used as reference specimens. This document also does not address the collection and storage of forensic evidence, nor the analytical process of using reference specimens in forensic casework. OSAC 2021-S-0014 STRP Report

STRP Members (panel established May 6, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Barry Baker, Wildlife Forensic Biology Subcommittee member.

OSAC 2022-S-0011, Standards for Construction of Multilocus Databases. This document provides minimum standards to guide the construction of multilocus population genetic databases. This document covers criteria for the identification and collection of samples, inclusion of associated biological data, choice and evaluation of genetic markers, and standard statistical evaluation of the reference database. This document does not cover specific applications such as individual matching, familial matching, geographic assignment, or other wildlife forensic techniques to evidence in wildlife forensic casework. This document only applies to databases generated from reference samples and does not include evidence items. OSAC 2022-S-0011 STRP Report 

STRP Members (panel established November 19, 2021):

OSAC subcommittee liaison to the panel: Hope Draheim, Wildlife Forensic Biology Subcommittee member.