OSAC VITAL Update

AAFS Meeting – February 2020

Julie Carnes
OSAC’s Structure

• Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

• Scientific Area Committees (SACs) 

• Subcommittees (SCs)

• Resource Committees (RCs)

• Task Groups (TGs)

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Video/Imaging Technology and 

Analysis (VITAL)

Focuses on standards and 

guidelines related to the 

application of methods and 

technologies to analyze 

information related to forensic 

imagery from a variety of systems.

This encompasses aspects of 

capture, storage, processing, 

archiving, quality assurance and 

training. 
What OSAC...

DOES DOESN’T

Publish standards

Have the authority 

to enforce standards 

Facilitates 

development of 

science-based standards 

through the formal SDO 

processes 

Evaluates existing 

standards published by 

SDOs for placement on 

the OSAC Registry

Endorses standards

on the Registry & 

promotes their 

implementation 

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Task Groups:

Image Analysis

Photography

Video Analysis

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6

Roadmap

Title

Standard Guide for 

Training Guidelines for Video Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

Data Acquisition from Digital CCTV Systems Video Recording Systems

Video Retrieval Canvassing & Crowdsourcing of Third-Party Video 

Guidelines for Video Analysis

Standard Guide for Processing Digital Video Files

Standard Guide for Frame Timing Analysis of H.264 Video in ISO Base Media File Formats 

Video and Audio Redaction for Legal & Public Disclosure 

Standard for Conclusions in Image and Video Analysis

Guidelines for the Forensic Use of Photogrammetry

Standard Guide for Image Authentication

Standard Guide for Latent Print Evidence Imaging Resolution

Incorporation of all exisiting documents into an all-encompassing standard guide 

Crime Scene Photography

Standard Guidelines for Autopsy Photography

Standard Gudelines for Laboratory Photography

Guideline for Image Management

Discipline-Specific Resolution Needs

Equipment Recommendations and Considerations Document 

Practical Considerations for Submission and Presentation of Multimedia Evidence in Court 

Application of Image Science to Forensic Disciplines
Standards in 

Progress –

Under 

Development

• Standard Guide for Photogrammetry

• Standard Guide for Forensic Video Analysis

• Standard Guide for Image Based Comparison 

Conclusions

• Standard Guide for Source and Content 

Authentication

• Standard Guide for Autopsy Photography

• Standard Guide for Laboratory (Controlled 

Environment) Photography

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Standard Guide for 

Photogrammetry

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Key Components: 

• Multiple methodologies for 

photogrammetric examinations 

• Recommendations for performing 

photogrammetric examinations

• Evidentiary value of photogrammetric 

examinations, common questions asked, 

and reporting

Current Status:

• Addressing feedback

• Revision in progress
Standard Guide for 

Forensic Video 

Analysis

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Key Components:

• Quality Assurance

• Assessment

• Processing

• Analysis

• Results

• Reports

Current Status:

• Addressing feedback

• Revision in progress
Standard Guide for 

Image Based 

Comparisons

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Key Components:

• Conclusions:

• Exclusions

• Support for Exclusions

• Inconclusive

• Support for Common Source

• Strong Support for Common Source

Current Status:

• Draft 
Standards in 

Progress – at 

SDO

• Standard Training Guidelines for Video 

Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography 

(WK66417)

• Standard Guide for Latent Print Evidence 

Imaging Resolution (WK66357)

• The Standard Practice for Data Retrieval 

from Digital CCTV Systems (WK61709)

• Standard Guide for Crime Scene 

Photography (WK69872)

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www.astm.org
Registry 

Process

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In Progress:

• ASTM E2825-18 Standard Guide for 

Forensic Digital Image Processing 
Partnerships

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Registry

ASTM

OSAC VITAL

SWGDE
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How Can You Get Involved?

Sign up for OSAC 

communications Become an OSAC member

Review and comment 

on documents

Stay informed

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organizationscientific-area-committees-forensicscience/apply-join-osac

https://www.nist.gov/osac

https://service.govdelivery.co

m/accounts/USNIST/subscrib

er/new
THANK YOU!

Julie Carnes

julie.carnes@target.com