ORO
Oil Red O.
OSAC
Organization for Scientific Area Committees. A NIST working group aimed at developing
voluntary consensus-based standards and guidelines for the forensic science disciplines. The first
committee members were named in September 2014. Standards and guidelines were to be
assessed to be valid prior to being added to the OSAC registry. On Oct. 1, 2020, the OSAC
implemented OSAC 2.0 to streamline the process. Validation was removed as a requirement. The
OSAC is not an official Standards Development Organization (SDO).
Oakes, Sir Harry Case (Trial, Oct. 1943)
The most sensational unsolved murder that happened during WWII. On July 8, 1943, Sir Harry
Oakes, one of the wealthiest people in the British Empire, was found dead in his home in the
Bahamas. The list of suspects included Edward VIII, Charles Lucky Luciano, and his son-in-law
Freddie de Marigny, among others. This case became known as one of the biggest botched
investigations of all times. The Govenor, the Duke of Windsor, sidestepped local authorities and
called two experts from the Miami Police Department. This was the beginning of events that drew
suspicion. The investigators, Capt. James Barker and Capt. Edward Melchen, found a latent print
on a Chinese screen and a bloody print on the wall, but the evidence was not preserved as well
as it could have been. They were highly criticized for their actions in the case. Prominent people
were allowed access to the crime scene prior to finishing the investigation. The photographs of
the bloody handprint were destroyed by light exposure prior to development. Barker’s lifts from
the screen also came into question and many people believed that the latent lifts were really lifted
from a different object, like a glass. Harry Oakes son-in-law was charged with the murder due to
his fingerprints being identified on the screen. During the trial, Barker’s testimony severely
damaged the prosecutions case, and Freddie de Marigny was found not guilty. Maurice O’Neill
filed charges against James Barker with the IAI for fabricating evidence. The IAI cleared Barker
of fabricating the evidence, but censured him for inadequately documenting the source of his
latent. This was an extremely unpopular decision among IAI members.
Objective
Uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=objective 02-27-03
Something real and observable.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Oblique Lighting
A lighting technique used to visualize latent friction ridge impressions where the light is directed
on an object in a sloping direction.
Occasional Print Features
Scarring and tension creases (or white lines) are occasional features. They do not appear in all
representations, but they are permanent and repeatable.
Oil Gland
The sebaceous gland is considered an oil gland, as opposed to the eccrine and apocrine glands
which are sweat glands.
Oil Red O Stain
A stain used in histology to stain lipoid deposits. Suggested as a processing method to develop
latent prints in 2004 by Alexandre Beaudoin of Québec, Canada. ORO is a safe alternative to the
Physical Developer processing method for porous items that may have been saturated by water.
Okajima, Michio
Michio Okajima is a Japanese scientist who’s done thorough research regarding the skin. In
1976 he wrote “Dermal and Epidermal Structure of the Volar Skin” in which he describes the two
rows of dermal papillae. The historical relevance of this research was confirming that the incipient
ridges are permanent friction ridge structures. Some of the other articles he’s written include:
“Development of Dermal Ridges in the Fetus”. Journal of Medical Genetics, 1975, Vol 12, 243-
250.
“A Methodological Approach to the Development of Epidermal Ridges Viewed on the Dermal
Surface of Fetuses”. Progress in Dermatoglyphic Reasearch, 1982, p. 175-188.
“Nonprimate Mammalian Dermatoglyphics as Models for Genetic and Embrylogic Studies:
Comparative and Methodologic Aspects”. Birth Defects: Orig. Artic., 1991, Ser. 27:131–149.
Oligodactyly
Fewer than the normal number of fingers or toes. Oligo- is from the Greek “oligos” (few or scanty)
-dactyly from the Greek “dactylos” (finger) = few fingers. Oligodactyly is the opposite of
polydactyly which means too many fingers or toes.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6668 06-18-2003
Oloriz Classification System
The fingerprint classification system developed by Dr. Federico Oloriz (Aguillera or Aguilera).
This classifications system was the primary classification system used in Portugal and Spain prior
to the use of computer filing systems, such as AFIS.
Oloriz, Dr. Federico 1855-1912 (Dr. Federico Oloriz Aguillera or Aguilera)
A Professor of Anatomy at the Madrid University who developed the primary fingerprint
classification system used in Spain and Portugal throughout the 20th Century. Dr. Oloriz
established and named 10 fingerprint characteristics.
Olsen, Robert D. Sr. (May 15, 1934-1989)
Special Agent Robert Olsen, with the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, was
instrumental in creating professional standards and training curriculums for the USACIL. These
standards and curriculums were so influential they were adopted by many civilian agencies. He
stressed practical applications and techniques, research, training, testing and professional
standards. Robert Olsen was most known for revising Walter Scott’s 1951 book “Fingerprint
Mechanics”. It was published in 1978 titled “Scott’s Fingerprint Mechanics”. To date, this book is
considered one of the most comprehensive fingerprint books worldwide. He encouraged active
participation in professional organizations, research and publication. He was extremely active in
the IAI, a Fellow of the AAFS and a Fellow of the Fingerprint Society. He wrote many articles and
gave numerous presentations during his career. Robert Olsen retired from the Army Crime Lab
in 1978 and continued his career with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation until his death in 1989.
Robert Olson’s friends remember him as someone who always had time and respect for
everyone as well as someone who lead by example.
One Discrepancy Rule
See One Dissimilarity Doctrine.
One Dissimilarity Doctrine (Rule)
A non-scientific technique used by some as an efficient means to rule out a source as the donor
of an impression. This rule states that one unexplained discrepancy is sufficient to rule a source
out as a donor. Sufficient examples show the error rate of this technique may be larger than once
assumed.
“Let us acknowledge that the one-dissimilarity doctrine has never been demonstrated to have
originated from a firm scientific basis. Once we recognize this, we will not be forced to guess the
manner of occurrence of unexplained differences. In view of a preponderance of matching
characteristics, one dissimilarity isn’t important.”
John I. Thronton, “The One-Dissimilarity Doctrine in Fingerprint Identification”, International
Criminal Police Review, No. 306, March 1977.
The “one discrepancy rule” under which a single difference in appearance between a latent
fingerprint and a known fingerprint must rule out an identification unless the examiner has a valid
explanation for the difference.
http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/special/s0603/ 05-27-2006
One Hundred Percent Certainty
A certainty level is a measure in the practitioner’s confidence in the accuracy of a conclusion but
not a measure of the true accuracy of the conclusion. The confidence level of a person cannot be
quantified with a mathematical equation and cannot be accurately represented numerically.
Ontogenetic
Of or relating to the origin and development of individual organisms.
WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=ontogenetic 03-08-2003
Ontogenetic Theory of ridge development suggests that ridge units fuse together to form ridges.
Opinion
A belief held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge.
A conclusion based on special knowledge.
Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary, Office Edition. Houghton Mifflin Publishing Co. Copyright
1984, Berkley Addition.
Open to dispute.
See Conclusion and Determination.
Original Image
The original image is the image that needs to be retained per Federal Rules of Evidence. An
original image may be the primary image (the initial capture) or an accurate replica of the primary
image. An original image and a primary image are the same with regard to content but may not
be the same item. For digital images, the primary image is typically stored on a memory card
within the camera while original images are typically stored elsewhere. When film is used. the
primary image is the recording on the film in the camera. The negative and subsequent prints
from the negative are original images. For a Polaroid image, the original image (the image that
should be retained) is the same item as the primary image (the initial image captured).
An accurate and complete replica of the primary image, irrespective of media. For film and analog
video, the primary image is the original image.
2007-11-01 SWGDE/SWGIT Digital & Multimedia Evidence Glossary v2.2
Primary image; with respect to digital images, an accurate replica (bit-for-bit value) of the primary
image.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Orientation
The location and direction of an area of friction ridge detail.
Orthodactyly
Fingers and toes cannot be flexed.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Ortho-Tolidine
A chemical that is a presumptive test for blood and has also been used to develop friction ridge
detail on human skin. Aka O-Tolidine.
Osborn Grid Method
This involves preparing photographic enlargements of the latent and inked fingerprints. A grid of
equally-sized squares is then superimposed on each, with the squares of each grid occupying
identical positions on each print. The forensic scientist examines both imprints square by square
looking for identical characteristics.
http://www.rsc.org/lap/educatio/eic/2002/sodhi_jul02.htm
Os calcis
A bone in the foot.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Osmium Tetroxide (Osmic Acid Fuming)
A fuming technique used to process items for latent fingerprints. This process was developed in
1891 by Dr. Rene Forgeot. When a latent print is exposed to the vapors, oxidation of sebaceous
matter occurs. This method has been found to be extremely hazardous and expensive is seldom,
if ever, used.
Osterburg, James William
Former head of the Department of criminal justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago, a former
New York Police Officer for 20 years, where he assisted in the investigation of thousands of
serious crimes. Past President of the American Academy of Forensic Science. He also is a
frequent participant in educational symposia discussing criminal investigation, criminalistics,
fingerprint characteristics and scientific evidence. The author of books on criminalistics and
scientific investigations. He has been a consultant to the State Department, the Department of
Justice and the Stanford Research Institute.
http://www.angelfire.com/sc/Centner/jamesw.html
In 1977, Osterburg developed a statistical model to calculate the probability of two fingerprints
being alike. His model was one of the first to consider empty space and the first to consider the
frequency of occurrence of different minutia.
O-Tolidine
See Ortho-Tolidine.
Outer Terminus
See Delta.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Outward Nose Loop
A loop in the hypothenar region of the palm of a hand where the recurve faces the outer edge of
the palm. This type of pattern is more common than the inward nose loop.
Overlay
A double impression where additional friction ridges overlap an existing friction ridge image.
Overlays will not coincide with ridge flow and may exhibit some type of checkering. Overlays are
not immediate double impressions of ridge detail. Overlays may or may not be the same finger
impression or made by the same person.
Charles Parker 09-06-2006
Overall Pattern
Overall pattern shape used during identification; first level detail.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Overton, Robert Blake
LONDON – On the morning of 6 May 1840, Lord William Russell was found in bed with his throat
cut. The murder of an elderly aristocrat in his Mayfair townhouse (just a short stroll from New
Bond Street) commanded enormous public attention and a major investigation was instigated by
the Metropolitan Police, formed just eleven years earlier. A remarkable volume of original
documents relating to the investigation and subsequent trial is offered in The English Literature
and History sale on 12 December. This file of papers provides a remarkably full insight into the
investigation and trial itself, but one letter in particular gives a prescient piece of advice.
Ten days after the murder, a surgeon called Robert Blake Overton who resided in the Norfolk
village of Grimstone wrote to the victim’s nephew, the prominent politician Lord John Russell
(who passed the letter to Scotland Yard), referring to the “marks of bloody fingers” found at the
murder scene. He informed him that, ”it is not generally known that every individual has a peculiar
arrangement [on] the grain of the skin the impression of which may be distinctly seen by the aid of
a high magnifying glass.” Overton went on to explain, “the impressions made from the fingers of
different persons will produce different shapes,” and concluded, “I would strongly recommend the
propriety of obtaining impressions from the fingers of the suspected individual and a comparison
made with the marks on the sheets and pillows.” He even included two pairs of inky fingerprints in
his letter to demonstrate his thesis.
This obscure village surgeon was suggesting the forensic use of fingerprint evidence for
identification purposes a full fifty years before the procedure was adopted. It was only in the
1850s that William Hershel began experimenting with fingerprints as a means to identify villagers
in India. Decades passed before the identification process was systematised (by, among others,
Charles Darwin’s cousin Francis Galton), and it was not until in the 1890s that pioneering use
was made of fingerprints in criminal investigations; even Sherlock Holmes did not use fingerprints
until 1903.
The history of criminal investigation might have looked very different if Overton’s suggestion had
been followed and one of the most important technological developments in forensics had taken
place at the beginning of the Victorian period – a time of public executions, when policing was
first becoming professionalised. Countless investigations could have taken a different course;
perhaps even Jack the Ripper might have been caught. Instead, this letter was filed away and
Overton himself disappears from the history of forensics. But there is one murder that fingerprint
evidence would not have helped to solve: that of Lord William Russell himself. Scotland Yard took
sufficient interest in Overton’s suggestion to record on the back of the letter that, “there were no
such marks, except those made by the Surgeons who first examined the wound”.
http://www.sothebys.com/en/inside/BlogHome/Collecting/Bibliofile/2012/12/_marks_of_bloodyfin.
html Dec.6, 2013