Investigative and
Forensic Consulting

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis:

The course is designed for investigators and crime scene investigators and others involved in criminal and medical-legal investigations and crime scene analysis. The course is intended to develop knowledge of the bloodstain pattern analysis discipline. The curriculum will provide an understanding of bloodstain pattern analysis principles and how to apply the methods to actual casework. Students will participate in practical exercises/experiments designed to reinforce the skills instructed during the course lectures. Students will be provided with a lab manual to document observations and results of course experiments.

Objectives:

1. Recognize the different types of bloodstain patterns and the actions that created them via their physical characteristics.
2. Have a working understanding of the mathematics and techniques for determining the area of origin for an impact pattern.
3. Knowledge of how to properly document bloodstain patterns at the scene and in the laboratory.
4. Evaluating the bloodstain pattern scene, render a conclusion and communicate the resulting analysis into a written report.

Content:

1. The history and advancement of bloodstain pattern analysis.
2. Blood’s composition and its reaction to injury.
3. Blood physics and dynamics.
4. Bloodstain terminology.
5. Recognizing bloodstain patterns and understanding the mechanism by which they are created.
6. Bloodstain pattern analysis limitations.
7. Bloodstain pattern analysis case studies.
8. Determine impact angles for individual stains in an impact pattern.
9. Determine the area of convergence for an impact pattern.
10. Demonstrate the ability to combine impact angle and area of convergence determinations to locate the area of origin for a given impact event.
11. Individual student experiments related to the different types of stain patterns discussed during the course.
12. Recognize proper biohazard protective measures to follow in a bloodstained scene.
13. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to document bloodstained scenes via notes, sketches/diagrams, photographs and “Roadmapping” procedures.
14. Collection of bloodstained evidence.
15. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate a bloodstain pattern scene.
16. Report writing and courtroom testimony.

Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera and flash to document their bloodstain exercises and experiments.