The acronym for Automated Biometric Identification System. A generic term for a computer based system which is a primary repository of individuals' biometrics (such as fingerprints, palm prints, facial and/or iris images) and secondary repository of associated demographic data, equipped with functionality to process biometric searches, store and retrieve records for identification purposes.

An examination method used to refer to Analysis, Comparison and Evaluation.

Records—such as evidence receipts, chain of custody, and submission forms (electronic or hard copy)—that do not constitute data or information resulting from examination work.

OSAC Preferred Term

An evaluation of the report and supporting documentation for consistency with organizational policies and for editorial correctness.

The acronym for Automated Fingerprint Identification System. A generic term for a computer based system which is a primary repository of individuals' friction ridge detail (such as fingerprints and/or palm prints) and secondary repository of associated demographic data, equipped with functionality to process biometric searches, store and retrieve records for identification purposes.

Observation of pattern type, ridge flow, and friction ridge features in sequence, of the same or similar type, in the same relative position to each other, with associated intervening ridge counts. An accumulation of similarities between two impressions resulting in overall conformity.

Observation of pattern type, ridge flow, and friction ridge features in sequence, of the same or similar type, in the same relative position to each other, with associated intervening ridge counts. An accumulation of similarities between two impressions resulting in overall conformity.

Observation of pattern type, ridge flow, and friction ridge features in sequence, of the same or similar type, in the same relative position to each other, with associated intervening ridge counts. An accumulation of similarities between two impressions resulting in overall conformity.

A report used to document any modifications from a previously issued report, particularly those that affect or correct an original result or interpretation.

The interpretation of observed data in a friction ridge impression in order to categorize its utility.

A type of verification in which the subsequent examiner(s) has no knowledge of any other examiner's decisions, conclusions or observed data used to support the conclusion.

A type of file (electronic or hard copy) in which all documentation and case relevant information is kept and maintained.

ISO 21043-1 , OSAC Preferred Term

Chronological record of the handling and storage of an item from its point of collection to its final return or disposal.

Hicklin paper

The fidelity and coherence with which the anatomical details of friction ridge skin are reproduced in a friction ridge impression, and are able to be visualized.

OSAC Preferred Term

A set of influences that may affect the reliability and validity of one's observations and conclusions.

The search for and detection of similarities and dissimilarities in observed data between friction ridge impressions.

Possessing and demonstrating the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform a specific task.

OSAC Preferred Term

Evaluation of a person's knowledge and ability to perform work before authorization to do so independently.

An individual who has successfully completed their FSP's training program and has demonstrated to the FSP that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the tasks required of their current position.

A characteristic of a comparison in which the attributes of one or both impressions may require additional consideration and quality assurance measures relating to the evaluation of a source conclusion.

A characteristic of an impression whose attributes may require additional consideration and quality assurance measures.

Opinion stated by an examiner after interpretation of observed data. The opinion is the personal judgment that the observed data can offer support for one proposition over another. A conclusion is distinct from a “proposition.”

Opinion stated by an examiner after interpretation of observed data. The opinion is the personal judgment that the observed data can offer support for one proposition over another. A conclusion is distinct from a “proposition.”

The tendency to search for data or interpret information in a manner that supports one's preconceptions, expectations or desires.

A condition in which two or more examiners disagree on a suitability decision or source conclusion.

A type of examination in which a reported decision or conclusion is determined that reflects the collective judgement of a group of examiners.

A type of examination in which a reported decision or conclusion is determined that reflects the collective judgement of a group of examiners.

A discussion or interaction initiated by an examiner seeking guidance for the purpose of interpreting an image or comparison.

OSAC Preferred Term

A deviation in human judgement caused by exposure to information that is either irrelevant to the judgmental task or inappropriate for consideration.

OSAC Preferred Term

Material of established origin used to evaluate the performance of a test or comparison. Or a test performed to demonstrate that a test method works correctly and to ensure that data are valid. Positive controls confirm that the procedure will produce the expected result. Negative controls confirm that the procedure does not produce an unintended result.

ISO 9000:2015 (modified “or mitigate” added)

Action to eliminate or mitigate the cause of a non-conformity and to prevent recurrence.

ISO 21043-1 (“the” deleted)

Client, authority, organization or person(s) requesting forensic services.

A dissimilarity, or an accumulation of dissimilarities, that is deemed to be outside of expected variations in the appearance of impressions from the same source, resulting in overall nonconformity.

The degree to which information in an impression can be used to distinguish it from impressions made by different sources. The discriminability of an impression is a combination of the quantity, spatial arrangement, clarity, and rarity of features observed.

An observation that two impressions have a general difference of appearance when comparing an individual feature or detail. Not to be confused with “disagreement.”

ISO 21043-1

process to reveal, intensify, magnify, or clarify an observation or result.

The weighting of the aggregate strength of the evidence (observed similarities and dissimilarities when considering two competing propositions) between the observed data in the friction ridge impressions being compared in order to formulate a source conclusion.

An individual authorized to conduct independent friction ridge examinations for the forensic service provider by observing and interpreting data, making decisions, forming conclusions and opinions, issuing reports and/or providing testimony. Use of the term “examiner” in these documents refers to a “competent friction ridge examiner” and not a “trainee.”

The deliberately recorded images or impressions from the friction ridge skin of an individual.

The deliberately recorded images or impressions from the friction ridge skin of an individual.

The deliberately recorded images or impressions from the friction ridge skin of an individual.

ISO 21043-1

Organization or individual that conducts and/or supplies forensic services.

ISO 21043-1

Organization or individual that conducts and/or supplies forensic services.

The combination of ridge flow, ridge characteristics, and ridge structure of friction ridge skin, as reproduced and observed in an impression. The observed data used to compare and interpret similarity or dissimilarity between impressions.

The combination of ridge flow, ridge characteristics, and ridge structure of friction ridge skin, as reproduced and observed in an impression. The observed data used to compare and interpret similarity or dissimilarity between impressions.

The skin found on the palms of the hands (full palmar surface including fingers) and soles of the feet (full plantar surface including toes).

An impression with observed data that are unambiguous and self-evident due to high clarity and quantity

A reproduction of an area of friction ridge skin produced on a substrate by contact or transfer. Impressions may be referred to as exemplar impressions, latent impressions, or questioned impressions (refer to those definitions for further clarification).

A reproduction of an area of friction ridge skin produced on a substrate by contact or transfer. Impressions may be referred to as exemplar impressions, latent impressions, or questioned impressions (refer to those definitions for further clarification).

The conclusion that the observed data does not provide more support for one proposition over the other.

The conclusion that the observed data does not provide more support for one proposition over the other.

The conclusion that the observed data provide more support for the proposition that the impressions originated from different sources rather than the same source; however, there is insufficient support for a Source Exclusion.

The conclusion that the observed data provide more support for the proposition that the impressions originated from the same source rather than different sources; however, there is insufficient support for a Source Identification.

OSAC Preferred Term

Organization, performance, and evaluation of measurements or tests on the same or similar items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions.

OSAC Preferred Term

Explanations for the observations, data and calculations.

OSAC Preferred Term

Organization, performance, and evaluation of measurements or tests on the same or similar items within the same laboratory in accordance with predetermined conditions.

ISO 21043-1

Object, substance or material that is collected, derived or sampled as part of the forensic process.

An impression from an unknown source of friction ridge skin, usually deposited on a substrate unintentionally. Typically, latent impressions are not readily visible and can be developed or enhanced by optical, physical, and/or chemical processing techniques.

An impression from an unknown source of friction ridge skin, usually deposited on a substrate unintentionally. Typically, latent impressions are not readily visible and can be developed or enhanced by optical, physical, and/or chemical processing techniques.

An impression from an unknown source of friction ridge skin, usually deposited on a substrate unintentionally. Typically, latent impressions are not readily visible and can be developed or enhanced by optical, physical, and/or chemical processing techniques.

An inkless, electronic means of capturing impressions from the friction ridge skin of an individual associated with a known source or claimed identity in a digital format.

The point where a friction ridge terminates, or splits into two or more ridges. A subset of the friction ridge detail/features traditionally consisting of ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots used to compare and interpret similarity and dissimilarity between two impressions.

Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.

OSAC Preferred Term

Recognizing and noting an occurrence.

Any information seen within an impression that an examiner relies 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.

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.

OSAC Preferred Term

View, judgment, belief – takes into consideration other information in addition to observations, data, calculations and interpretations.

A region of friction ridge skin which in theory, minutiae were forced to form due to pattern type and existing ridge fields during friction ridge formation. As these minutiae form more predictably, their configurations are more common and less random.

OSAC Preferred Term

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.

ISO 9000:2015

Action to eliminate the cause of a potential non-conformity or other potential undesirable situation.

An expression of the chance that a particular event occurs.

OSAC Preferred Term

Evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria by means of interlaboratory comparisons.

Hypotheses about the actual state of nature or an event, which is unknown or unknowable. Not to be confused with “conclusions,” nor “source conclusions” (refer to those definitions for further clarification).

Steps taken by an FSP to detect, correct, minimize and/or prevent non conforming work.

An impression or image of friction ridge skin whose source or identity is unknown; it can include latent impressions, impressions from an unknown source or a known source.

The frequency or prevalence of a friction ridge feature, either in isolation or in conjunction with other information about its local context.

ISO 21043-1 (“during examination” added for clarification)

Document providing information on observations or activities performed during examination.

OSAC Preferred Term

Credibility and trustworthiness of proffered evidence.

OSAC Preferred Term

Consistency of results as demonstrated by reproducibility or repeatability.

OSAC Preferred Term

Extent of agreement between more than one result determined in the same place, by the same person, on the same equipment, in the same way at similar times.

ISO 21043-1

communication of outcomes of the forensic process.

OSAC Preferred Term

Extent of agreement between more than one result determined under any combination of different conditions.

OSAC Preferred Term

Extent of agreement between more than one result determined under any combination of different conditions.

OSAC Preferred Term

The product of the forensic service provider. This term is broad and includes observations, data, calculations, interpretations and opinions.

ISO 21043-1

Systematic process of the identification and evaluation of perceived or potential risks throughout the forensic process.

ISO 21043-1

Portion drawn from a whole or population for the purpose of examination/testing, not necessarily representative of the whole.

ISO 21043-1

Place or object that is subject to and/or requires forensic examination.

An observation that two impressions share a general likeness when comparing an individual feature or detail. Not to be confused with “correspondence.”

The Fingerprint Sourcebook

An area of friction ridge skin of an individual from which an impression originated.

The conclusion that the observed data provide substantially stronger support for the proposition that the questioned impression originated from a different source than the exemplar impressions compared.

The conclusion that the observed data provide substantially stronger support for the proposition that the questioned impression originated from a different source than the exemplar impressions compared.

The conclusion that the observed data provide substantially stronger support for the proposition that the two impressions originated from the same source rather than different sources.

The conclusion that the observed data provide substantially stronger support for the proposition that the two impressions originated from the same source rather than different sources.

ISO 9000:2015

A person or organization that can affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision or activity.

ISO 21043-1

Authorized, documented, specified way to carry out an activity or process.

ISO 21043-2

Authorized, documented, specified way to carry out an activity or process.

A means of describing the relative support the evidence lends to one proposition over another. It may be described verbally or numerically.

ISO 21043-1

Surface or material upon which a substance is deposited.

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 an ABIS database search.

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.

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.

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.

A report used to document additional work performed with subsequent reporting of results.

A specific set of friction ridge features selected as a starting point during comparison.

OSAC Preferred Term

A qualified second party's evaluation of reports, notes, data, and other documentation to ensure there is appropriate and sufficient support for the actions, results, conclusions, opinions, and interpretations.

An individual not yet authorized to conduct independent friction ridge examinations for the FSP; usually still in training.

The usefulness of an impression for a further step in the examination process, such as comparison or Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) entry.

OSAC Preferred Term

A process of evaluating a system, method or component to determine that requirements for an intended use or application have been fulfilled.

Independent examination by one or more examiners to ascertain if a decision, conclusion, or opinion is reproduced or is in conflict with the decision, conclusion, or opinion of another examiner.

OSAC Preferred Term

Performing subsequent testing to ascertain if the results are concordant.