Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

OSAC Research Needs Assessment Form

Title of research need:

Keywords:

Submitting subcommittee(s): Date Approved:

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

Background information:

1. Description of research need:

2. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need:

Known or estimated population frequencies of traits/characteristics form the basis for the validity 

of any forensic identification approach. The comparison of antemortem and postmortem radiologic 

data has become a well-accepted method of identification in forensic anthropology, radiology and 

pathology. These comparisons, however, typically involve a subjective assessment of the visual 

similarity between the antemortem and postmortem data. Such assessments are insufficient for 

determining the evidentiary value of an association, cannot be used to calculate the probability of a 

correct (or incorrect) identification, and may be subject to confirmation bias. The study and 

documentation of population frequencies for skeletal and dental anomalies will help provide a 

more objective, statistical basis for a forensic identification.

Christensen AM. Testing the reliability of frontal sinuses in personal identification. Journal of 

Forensic Sciences 2005;50:18-22.

Derrick SM, Love JC, Wiersema JM, Hipp JA, Akella NS, Zeigler J. Novel computer-assisted 

identification method using radiographic comparison. NIJ Grand Award 2010-DN-BX-K194; Final 

Technical Report (248511), 2014.

Ruder TD, Thali YA, Rashid SNA, Mund MT, Thali MJ, Hatch GM, Christensen AM, Somaini S, 

Ampanozi G. Validation of postmortem dental CT for disaster victim identification. Journal of 

Forensic Radiology and Imaging 2016; In Press.

Population Frequency Data for Radiologic Identification

Identification, Population Frequency, Radiology

Anthropology 1.28.16
Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

3a. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

3b. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

3c. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

4. Status assessment (I, II, III, or 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.

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 would allow forensic practitioners involved in radiologic identification to quantify 

the strength of association between antemortem and postmortem radiologic data.

Anthropologists are often involved in the analysis of skeletal remains in an effort to facilitate 

identification. The development of standards/guidelines for personal identification based on 

skeletal features is one of the tasks of the Anthropology Subcommittee. This research would 

further validate and quantify an approach that has typically been largely subjective.

This research would assist in quantifying the evidentiary value of forensic radiologic comparisons, 

which would clarify to judges and jurors the likelihood that a radiologic identification is correct 

versus incorrect. 

I
Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

// Approval date:

(Approval is by majority vote of subcommittee. Once approved, forward to SAC.)

1. Does the SAC agree with the research need? Yes ⃝ No ⃝ 

2. Does the SAC agree with the status assessment? Yes ⃝ No ⃝

If no, what is the status assessment of the SAC:

Approval date:

(Approval is by majority vote of SAC. Once approved, forward to NIST for posting.)

1.28.16 Subcommittee

SAC