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:

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

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.

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.

Kabir, A., et al. "Recent advances in micro-sample preparation with forensic applications." Trac-Trends in Analytical 

Chemistry 45 (2013): 264-79.

Research would result in improved implementation and complimentary use of detector canines 

and other sensors. 

Integration of canine and instrumental detectors

canine, instrumental detectors, chemical sensors, odor, electronic sensors, biological sensors, VOCs

Dogs and Sensors 08242016
Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

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 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.

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.

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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.)

08242016 Subcommittee

SAC