Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course
Class Schedule

Instructor: Ross M. Gardner

Prerequisite: Approved IABPA 40 Hour Basic Course

Course Objectives. Upon completion of the course the student should:

• Identify key bloodstain patterns and articulate their physical characteristics with a 90% accuracy.
• Demonstrate the ability to use various methods to accurately establish the PO for an Impact Pattern.
• Demonstrate methods of documenting bloodstain scenes, both photographically and in written format.
• Demonstrate an ability to evaluate bloodstain patterns on clothing.
• Demonstrate the use of luminal and fluorescein to enhance latent blood patterns.
• Demonstrate an ability to evaluate a complex bloodstain pattern scene.
• Demonstrate an ability to properly present bloodstain pattern analysis evidence in court.

Day One

0800 - 0930    Taxonomy and Morphology of Bloodstain Patterns.  This lecture revolves around proper pattern recognition.

0930 - 1030 Dynamics Lecture.  Lecture on blood droplet dynamics in flight and on  impact.   Providing the student with an understanding of the medium of blood and how physical laws affect blood.  

1030 - 1100 Documentation Lecture. Lecture on the process of documenting bloodstain patterns, specifically outlining the "Roadmapping" method. 

1100 - 1130 Clothing Examination Lecture. Lecture on clothing examinations and limitations associated to them.

1300 - 1700  Group Practical Stations

 Practical # 1 Roadmapping.
 Practical # 2 Impact versus Contact on Clothing
 Practical # 3 Impact Pattern Analysis – Tangent Method
 Practical # 4  Clothing Examinations 
 Practical # 5  Review Another Examiner’s Report  
 Practical # 6 Impact Pattern Analysis – Stringing/Laser Method 

Day Two  

0800 - 1130 Evaluating Spatter Patterns Using Backtrack Images and Win.  Lecture on the use of both Backtrack Images and Win to more effectively evaluate patterns. Lecture followed by group practical(s) using the software.

1300 - 1530  Luminol and Fluroscein Use.  Lecture on the use and documentation of luminal and fluorescein reactions for latent blood patterns.

1545 - 1700  Report Writing.  Lecture on creating functional bloodstain pattern analysis reports including demonstrative exhibits.

Day Three  

0800 - 1700 Group Scenarios.  Each group is assigned a scenario which they must evaluate, document and prepare a report on.  Each scenario will include a minimum of two impact spatter events and two clothing items.

Day Four  

0800 - 0900 Court Presentations.  Lecture on presenting bloodstain testimony, and meeting both Daubert and Frye standards.
 
0900 - 1000 Report Writing and Court Prep.   Complete reports from group scenario and prepare for moot court.

1000 - 1200 Moot Court.  Groups 1 and 2. Practical in which the groups will be given an opportunity to testify to an aspect of their analysis and be afforded a cross examination.
 
1300 - 1500 Moot Court. Groups 3 and 4. 

1500 - 1530 Moot Court Review.

1530 - 1630  Post Test

Course Evaluation