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Operational security (OPSEC)

Definition

The set of practices designed to prevent adversaries from obtaining information about team plans, sources, locations, or findings before those findings are secured as evidence. In forensic contexts, this includes communication protocols, document handling, and source protection.

Related terms

DC-Cam
Documentation Center of Cambodia. NGO established 1997 to document crimes of the Khmer Rouge period (1975-79); maintained archives used by the Extraordinary...
EULEX
European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. Deployed in 2008; included a forensic component responsible for assisting Kosovo authorities with missing-persons...
Evidence contamination by political process
The compromise of forensic evidence through interference by parties with a stake in the investigation's outcome: selective disclosure, substitution of remains, access...
FAFG
Fundacion de Antropologia Forense de Guatemala. National forensic anthropology organisation established 1992, carrying out exhumations related to Guatemala's internal armed conflict (1960-1996);...
OHCHR field manual
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Field Manual on Human Rights Monitoring. Provides operational guidance for human rights...

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