This Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis course is designed for beginner investigators or for those who have not yet had bloodstain pattern analysis training or exposure to bloodstained crime scenes.
Students will learn how to correctly identify bloodstains both based on appearance as well as pattern mechanism. The course contains theory and principles of bloodstain pattern analysis as well as practical activities, mock scenes, and evidence.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Develop a working knowledge and understanding of the physical properties and characteristics of blood.
Utilize proper documentation and collection methods for bloodstains and bloodstain patterns.
Employ proper mathematical principles for determining angle of impact, area of convergence, and area of origin.
Understand and apply bloodstain pattern analysis findings to crime scenes and written reports.

DAY 1 – Students will learn the fundamentals and composition of blood, principles and theories, proper terminology, and bloodstain characteristics based on variables of height, angle variance, and surface. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on practical exercises.

DAY 2 – Students will have the opportunity to build upon what they learned on day 1 by recognizing various bloodstains of spatter, passive, and altered characteristics. Students will go beyond examining visual characteristics and will begin measuring stains and engaging in basic bloodstain mathematical calculations.

DAY 3 – Students will be introduced to documentation methods of individual bloodstains as well as bloodstain patterns. Students will photograph stains using proper equipment and methods.

DAY 4 – Students will focus on the search, identification, and enhancement of bloodstains on a crime scene and items of evidence. Students will be exposed to various chemical enhancement techniques and begin analyzing and documenting bloodstains on fabrics and textiles. Students will also be tasked with photographing their results from chemical enhancement. Students will be introduced to the basics of bloodstain report writing and courtroom testimony.

DAY 5 – Students will review concepts discussed throughout the week and have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a practical setting. Students will be provided a scene scenario with multiple bloodstains. Students will calculate area of convergence and origin, and fully document the bloodstained scene. They will then compile a rough draft of report for review.

*It is recommended that students have previously completed a basic crime scene processing workshop course or have experience in the field.
**Students will need to bring the following equipment, if possible:
DSLR camera
Tripod
Macro Lens
External Flash
Scales and manual calipers will be provided. Please bring a digital caliper, if you wish.

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