FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, December 1, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Canine Performance and Training

Keyword(s): Canine, training, methodologies, reinforcement

Submitting subcommittee(s): Dogs & Sensors Date Approved: March 10, 2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Obtaining a clear understanding of how detector dogs actually work and what variables affect their probability of 

detection is critical in all standards being developed so that there is a correct understanding of their capabilities and 

limitations. This research need includes actual experimentation on training methodologies, types of reinforcement, 

relationship between training and operations performance and questions on generalization and concept formation.

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

limited

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

Lazarowski L, Krichbaum S, DeGreeff LE, Simon A, Singletary M, Angle C, Waggoner LP. (2020) Methodological 

considerations in canine olfactory detection research. Frontiers in Veterinary Science doi: 10.3389/fvets2020.00408

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

No

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

A thorough understanding of how the dogs are presently working will yield to better training protocols that are 

effective for current detection threats. A clear understanding of variables that affect a canine’s detection capability 

will enhance understanding of limitations for better manipulations of established training processes.
FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, December 1, 2020 2

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

The research would improve understanding of the subcommittee to create superior best practice standard 

documents used by the canine community. Improve training, K9 handling, better understanding of source 

storage/handling of training aids. 

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

The improved best practice standards will result in superior canine performance, resulting in a law

enforcement tool that is more accurate and reliable.

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV):

II Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.