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

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Development of Reliable Surrogate Aids

Keyword(s): Canine training aids, narcotics, human remains, human scent, explosives

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)

Research is needed to develop reliable surrogate training aids, particularly for human remains, as well as for live 

human scent, drugs and explosives. These surrogates would be used to compliment difficult to obtain and often 

controlled and hazardous materials that are currently used to train canines.

Ideally, these provide controlled delivery of chemicals to provide a range of operationally relevant concentrations of 

odor to maintain performance and to provide for a standard by which to assess calibration (i.e., working threshold). 

Currently the state of knowledge is insufficient and/or contraindicates the use of surrogate continuation training aids 

for initial training or certification.

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)?

Unknown

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

Simon AG, DeGreeff LE, Frank K, Peranich K, Holness H, Furton KG (2019) A method for controlled odor delivery in 

olfactory field testing. Chemical Senses 44: 399-408

Furton, K. G. and L. J. Myers. "The scientific foundation and efficacy of the use of canines as chemical detectors for 

explosives." Talanta 54.3 (2001): 487-500. 

Harper, R. J., J. R. Almirall, and K. G. Furton. "Identification of dominant odor chemicals emanating from explosives for 

use in developing optimal training aid combinations and mimics for canine detection." Talanta 67.2 (2005): 313-27. 

Macias, M. S. and K. G. Furton. "Availability of Target Odor Compounds from Seized Ecstasy Tablets for Canine 

Detection." Journal of Forensic Sciences 56.6 (2011): 1594-600. 

Macias, M. S., et al. "Detection of piperonal emitted from polymer controlled odor mimic permeation systems utilizing 

Canis familiaris and solid phase microextraction-ion mobility spectrometry." Forensic Science International 195.1-3 

(2010): 132-38. 
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Macias, M. S., R. J. Harper, and K. G. Furton. "A comparison of real versus simulated contraband VOCs for reliable 

detector dog training utilizing SPME-GC-MS." American Laboratory 40.1 (2008): 16-+. 

Vu, D. “Process for producing non-detonable training aid materials for detecting.” US Patent No US9108890B2. April 

18, 2015.

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?

Matching key compounds/components of pseudo more closely to that of true target source. Provide a range of 

operationally relevant concentrations of odor to maintain performance and to provide for a standard by which to 

assess calibration.

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 be used in drafting standards related to training 

and certification. 

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

The standards will result in improved detector canine operational performance as a result of an expected increase in 

more effective and efficient canine training. Validation and standardization of training aids utilized in canine training 

regimens.

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

I 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.