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:

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.

Curran, A. M., et al. "Comparison of the volatile organic compounds present in human odor using SPME-GC/MS." Journal 

of Chemical Ecology 31.7 (2005): 1607-19.

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.

Lopez, C., et al. "Identification of canis familiaris active odor signature chemicals in controlled substances and high 

explosives." Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society 225 (2003): U23.

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.

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. 

Development of reliable surrogate aids

Canine training aids, narcotics, human remains, human scent, explosives

Dogs and Sensors 08242016
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

Research would result in improved understanding in how to train canines more effectively, safely, 

and efficiently.

The research would improve understanding of the subcommittee to be used in drafting standards 

related to training and certification.

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

expected increase in more effective and efficient canine training.

 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.)

08242016 Subcommittee

SAC