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OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Integration of Canine and Instrumental Detectors

Keyword(s): Canine, chemical sensors, odor, instrumental detectors

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 determine complimentary approaches to detection with canines and other sensors. In addition, 

comparative sensitivity and specificity of different sensors will improve training, performance, and operational use, 

particularly in areas such as threshold and residual scent/odor.

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)

Prada, PA and Chavez Rodriguez M. 2016 Demining Dogs in Colombia – A Review of Operational Challenges, Chemical 

Perspectives, and Practical Implications. Science and Justice 56: 269-277.

Prada, P. A.; Furton, K. G.2012 “Recent Advances in Solid-Phase Microextraction for Forensic Applications” In 

Comprehensive Sampling and Sample Preparation, Volume 3; Pawliszyn, J.; Le, X. C.; Li, X-F.; Lee, H. K.; Eds; Elsevier, 

Academic Press: Oxford, UK, pp 877–891, 2012.

Conner, L., S. Chin, and K. G. Furton. "Evaluation of field sampling techniques including electronic noses and a dynamic 

headspace sampler for use in fire investigations." Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical 116.1-2 (2006): 121-29. 

Griffith, R. T., et al. "Differentiation of toxic Molds via headspace SPME-GC/MS and canine detection." Sensors 7.8 

(2007): 1496-508. 

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?

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

Research would result in improved implementation and complimentary use of detector canines and other sensors. It 

will enhance understanding of limitations of each tool for better resource allocation and applications.

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

subcommittee(s)?

This will allow for greater understanding for the development of standards for the application of these sensors in a 

layered approach to forensic and national security efforts.

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. Additionally, it may lead to a new generation of detection and sensor 

tools for operational environments.

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.