BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS

Bloodstain pattern analysis is the application of scientific principles and techniques to the analysis of bloodstains found at crime scenes or observed on evidence submitted to the laboratory. It involves the recognition and study of the physical characteristics of bloodstains and patterns as a function of origin, flight paths, force, and sequence. The ultimate result can be a reconstruction of the chain of events involving bloodshed.

Things that can sometimes be determined from a Bloodstain Pattern Analysis include:

• Minimum number of blows on a source of blood
• Locations of areas of impact on blood
• Directions of swings of bloody objects
• Directions of movements of bloody objects
• Relative positions of people and objects
• Sequence of events
• Who or what could or could not have been present, and
• What actions could or could not have occurred in the:
  • Suspect's statements
  • Victim's statements
  • Witness's statements
    

Bloodstain Pattern Analysts prefer to attend the scene. Training is available for law enforcement personnel who are not sure when to ask an expert to come to a scene. If you would like to arrange to have this training for your agency, please contact the Crime Laboratory.