Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: With an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction(Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations)

This in-depth reference covers the analysis of bloodstain patterns found at violent crime scenes and outlines a logical, effective method for crime scene reconstruction. Each of these analysis methods is presented in the context of how it is used to solve crimes. The book first explains the history and evolution of bloodstain analysis and defines standard terminology. It then draws on the authors' own extensive field experience to establish a working model for crime scene analysis and reconstruction. The book also explains the basic properties of blood, its physical make-up and response to injury. The authors explain how to use bloodstain patterns to understand events that occurred at a crime scene. They cover key areas such as defining motion, finding the point of origin, identifying impact spatter, and spotting characteristic patterns. Bevel and Gardner conclude with a discussion of the use of logic in analysis, and look objectively at the various opinions and schools of thought among law enforcement professionals. All of the data on current philosophies and methods is the very latest, most up-to-date information available today. The authors teach courses on this topic and use this work as their prescribed textbook. The text concludes with practical information on documenting and collecting bloodstain pattern evidence, presenting evidence in court, and contending with bloodborne pathogens. Numerous photographs graphically depict the concepts presented.

Table of Contents:
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Its Function and a Historical Perspective The Function of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis The Relationship of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis to Crime Scene Reconstruction A Historical Perspective of Bloodstain Pattern Evidence Early Scientific References Modern Works in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Summary Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction Distinguishing Crime Scene Analysis from Behavioral Analysis Limitations in the Reconstruction of Crime A Conceptual Model for Analysis Collection Evaluation Assessment Integration Event Analysis: A Process for Crime Scene Reconstruction The Role of Logic in Analysis Expectations and Predictions Impact of Dynamic Events on the Reconstruction Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning Informal Fallacies Encountered in Analysis Putting the Pieces Together Terminology Referring to the Discipline General Terms Relating to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Grouping Stains Angle of Impact Arterial Gushing and Spurts Atomized Blood/Misting Spatter Clot Capillary Action Cast Off Stains Directionality Directional Angle Drawback/Blowback Effect Drip Patterns Expiratory Blood Flight Path Impact Site Origin/Point of Origin Parent Stain Projected Blood Ricochet Stain Satellite Spatter Shadowing/Ghosting/Void Skeletonized Stain/Skeletonization Spines Splash Passive Flow Pattern Transfer Swipe Wipe Velocity Impact Patterns Summary Understanding the Medium of Blood General Properties of Blood Blood Make-Up The Body's Response to Breaching of the Circulatory System Circulatory System Considerations Droplet Dynamics in Flight Droplet Dynamics on Impact Contact/Collapse Displacement Dispersion Retraction Liquid to Liquid Impacts Stain Shape and Impact Angle Relationship Summary Determining Motion and Directionality General Sequence of Events Droplet Directionality Recognizing Blood Trail Motion Determining Motion from Wipes and Swipes Repetitive Pattern Transfers Flows Summary Determining the Point of Convergence and the Point of Origin Determining Point of Convergence from Overhead Determining Impact Angles Stain Measurement Determining Point of Origin Using Both Side and Overhead Views Graphing Points of Origin Defining Point of Origin with the Tangent Function Limitations in Point of Origin Evaluations Three-Dimensional Evaluations of Point of Origin Stringing Scenes Forensic Software Applications Automation Efficiency or Precision - An Important Distinction Summary Evaluation Impact Spatter Bloodstains Methods of Description Understanding the Concept of Preponderant Stain Size Distinguishing Spatter from Contact Stains Impact Droplet Sizes Pattern Configuration and Dispersion in Impacts Spatter Resulting from Gunshots Gunshot Spatter - Forward Spatter and Backspatter Size Ranges of Gunshot Spatter Kinetic Energy, Wound Cavitation, and the Creation of Gunshot Spatter Gunshot Pattern Shapes and Dispersion Expiratory Blood Fly Spots Summary Characteristic Patterns of Blood Which Aid in Analysis Cast-Off Stains Pattern Transfers Projected Blood Flow Patterns Voids and Ghosting Patterns Pools and Standing Blood Blood Dripping into Blood Summary Documenting Bloodstains The Function of Documentation Collection Detection of Blood Presumptive Tests Enhancement Techniques Bloodstain Pattern Photography Scene and Pattern Sketches Written Reports Summary Documenting the Reconstruction of a Crime Reconstruction Report Event Analysis in Outline Format Statement Comparison to Event Analysis Event Analysis in Narrative Format Guidelines for Maintaining Objectivity During Case-Specific Experiments Recreating Human Anatomy Recreating Event Particulars Pitfalls to Recreation Attempts Case Examples Summary Automation Applications in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and Crime Scene Reconstruction Automation Usage Considerations Types of Automation Tutorial Applications Simulation and Computer-Aided Analysis Applications Illustration Applications Court Acceptance Summary Presenting Evidence at Trial General Concerns Maintaining Objectivity Settling In and Establishing a First Impression Understanding Cross Examination Summary Dealing with the Risk of Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne Diseases Crime Scene Considerations Dealing with Accidental Exposure Packaging Biohazard Evidence Exposure Risks in Training and Experimentation Other Sources of Information on Managing Bloodborne Pathogen Risks Summary Appendix A: Weight/Measure Conversion Table Appendix B: Trigonometric Functions and their Application in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Appendix C. Stop-Motion Photography Techniques Index