Bloodstain Pattern Recognition and Photography

Question 1

What are two premises of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis?

Answer 1

Bloodstain Patterns are PREDICTABLE and REPRODUCIBLE.

Question 2

What are the three Bloodstain Pattern Groups?

Answer 2

Gravity Produced

• circular shape
• 90^o to target surface

Spatter Patterns

• result of external force applied to a source of liquid blood

Transfer Patterns

• transfer of blood from one surface to another

Question 3

What needs to be done what obtaining photographs of a blood letting scene when an analyst is not available?

Answer 3

• create a border using two measuring tapes, vertical with a plumb-bob
• frame shot for one-to-one enlargement
• ensure camera lens is perpendicular to pattern
• may require various methods of lighting
• use a tripod
• obtain an overall (location), mid-range (min 4 quadrants) and close-ups

DX sensor - 40x60; FX 60x90

Question 4

What is bloodstain recognition?

Answer 4

It is the study of the size, shape, location and pattern distribution of blood in order to provide an interpretation of the phyiscal events that gave rise to their origin.