Working out exactly where projected droplets came from using their spatter pattern has never been possibleuntil now. A preliminary validation for the faro zone 3d area of origin tool. Bloodstain pattern analysis involves the application of scientific techniques to reconstruct events that resulted in a bloodstain pattern. Backtrack was one of the first such programs introduced to the bloodstain community 911. Handson experience with actual bloodstain patterns and advanced chemical processing techniques will help strengthen your. Using directional analysis, the backtrack suite of computer programs can be used to analyze a crime scene in which bloodstains only from. The foundation course in bloodstain pattern analysis is the basic bloodstain pattern analysis. Using directional analysis, the backtrack suite of computer programs can be used to analyze a crime scene in which bloodstains only from downwardmoving. Bloodstain pattern analysis often uses extensive forensic photography in order to provide evidence for conclusions.
The backtrack program for bloodstain pattern analysis is an excellent forensic tool that allows bloodstain pattern analysts to simply and quickly analyze patterns of projected bloodstains at bloodletting crime scenes. Accurate, truetoscale 3d models of the crime scenes, including the bloodstain pattern and the traces, were created. A multidisciplinary approach is presented throughout the book that uses scene and laboratory examinations in conjunction with forensic pathology, forensic serology, and chemical enhancement techniques. Test your bloodstain analysis skills new scientist. Fbi standards and guidelines scientific working group on. A preliminary validation for the faro zone 3d area of. Participants will be asked to classify the pattern types based on swgstain standardized terminology. An experimental study to quantify error rates resulting. This report has not been published by the department. For interpretation of the references to color in this legend, the reader is referred to the web version of the article. Math and physics for bloodstain pattern analysts tritech. The backtrack programs objective is to provide the crime scene investigator with a scientific tool.
This advanced course will take you beyond the blood basics and increase your knowledge and skills in bloodstain pattern analysis. This type of pattern, also called arterial spurting, usually occurs when an artery is damaged and the blood spurts or gushes from the wound in large. Further validation of the backtrack computer program for. The pattern of a bloodstain depends on the droplets speed. Bloodstain pattern analysis bpa is a subspecialty of forensic sciences, dealing with the analysis and interpretation of bloodstain patterns in crime scenes. Analysts examine the size, shape, distribution and location of the bloodstains to form opinions about what did or did not happen. The method utilizes laser scan data for placing bloodstain images on a 3d surface. The position of the blood source in threedimensional space is a fundamental element of this application. Backtracktm software allows a user to click, specifying. Use of the backtrack computer program for bloodstain. Using laser scanning technology to determine bloodstain origin abstract in forensic science, knowing the point of origin of bloodstains.
These virtual strings can thereafter be analysed similar to real strings. Once a classification has been made, the bloodstain pattern type is then evaluated for the presence of any additional information. Bloodstain pattern analysis bpa is the interpretation of bloodstains at a crime scene in order to recreate the actions that caused the bloodshed. This process will be shown using a point cloud, but a model built with faro zone 3d drawing and power tools can also be used, provided the coordinates are precise. You can find more forensics research articles on our forident software site. A panel of experienced bloodstain pattern analysts examined over 730 patterns in two phases of the study, one focussing on three rigid.
This document provides a recommended list of terms to use when teaching, discussing, writing, or testifying on bloodstain pattern analysis. The backtrack program for bloodstain pattern analysis is an excellent forensic tool that allows bloodstain pattern analysts to simply and quickly analyze patterns. Hemospat bloodstain pattern analysis software is used to calculate the area of origin for impact patterns at crime scenes. Pdf use of the backtrack tm computer program for bloodstain. The calculation of a threedimensional location of the source of blood drops that produce a bloodstain impact pattern can be done with three methods.
Bloodstain pattern analysis is a challenging and fascinating field of forensic science that will continue to. Because blood behaves according to certain scientific principles, trained bloodstain pattern analysts can examine the blood evidence left behind and draw conclusions as to how the blood may have been shed. A panel of experienced bloodstain pattern analysts examined over 730 patterns in two phases of the study, one focussing on three rigid nonabsorbent surfaces painted wood, wallpaper and. Use of the backtrack computer program for bloodstain pattern analysis of stains from downwardmoving drops. The last step orange performs the analysis of the estimated. Bloodstain pattern analysis bpa is one of several specialties in the field of forensic. In this 4minute video we will take a look at blood spatter analysis. It is one of the several specialties of forensic science the use of bloodstains as evidence is not new. The course criteria were developed by the international association of bloodstain pattern analysts iabpa with the following stated. Development of a science base and open source software for bloodstain pattern analysis award number.
By reading the journal of bloodstain pattern analysis youre. Introduction to bloodstain pattern analysis thednalab. These two institutions also have bloodstain analyst understudy programs. Stringing, sine and spatter shapes stringing is one method that bloodstain pattern analysts use to discover the origin and type of violent action. Software can then be used to perform the stringing and visualize the results. Bloodstain pattern analysis requires sufficient education and training to be an effective investigative technique, which not all law enforcement officers attending a crime scene will necessarily have. In addition, digital images of an impact bloodstain pattern will also be provided with specific spatter stains selected for the participant to measure and calculate the angle of impact. Use of the backtrack tm computer program for bloodstain pattern. In bloodstain pattern evidence, the concepts introduced in the authors first book, blood dynamics, are updated and applied to provide essential answers in the resolution of actual crimes. Introduction to bloodstain pattern analysis bloodstain pattern analysis is a forensic discipline that deals with the physics of the blood and assesses bloodstains left at crime scenes using visual pattern recognition. Rebecca kanable, backtrack going forward, law enforcement technology, aug. While bloodstain pattern analysis can be a useful tool for investigators the reliability of courtroom testimony by bloodstain pattern analysts has come under fire in recent years. If the bloodstain evidence is used in a case that goes to trial, the bloodstain pattern analyst may be required to testify in court about the work.
Further validation of the backtrack computer program for bloodstain pattern. The backtrack program for bloodstain pattern analysis is an excellent forensic tool that allows bloodstain pattern analysts to simply and quickly analyze patterns of. Performing this directional analysis of impact patterns can provide the bloodstain pattern analyst with crucial information about the location and posture of an individual at a bloodletting scene. Becausebloodbehavesaccordingtocertainscientificprinciples,trained bloodstainpatternanalystscanexaminethebloodevidenceleftbehindand. Fbi standards and guidelines scientific working group. We will also take an indepth look at the judicial process for becoming qualified to give effective witness testimony.
Bloodstain pattern evidence builds on the fundamental ideas brought about by an understanding of nonnewtonian dynamics, and illustrates through case work the practical forensic science applications of these principles to the analysis of bloodstain patterns. The scientific working group on bloodstain pattern analysis swgstain comprises bloodstain pattern analysis bpa experts from north america, europe, new zealand, and australia. This math and physics for bloodstain pattern analysis course will introduce the student to the mathematical theory behind the formulae used to determine the origin of blood sources and the scientific principles that dictate the motion of blood. Backtrack was one of the first such programs introduced to the bloodstain community 9. Theory and practice presents an indepth investigation of this important subject matter. Bloodstain pattern analysis is a forensic discipline in which, among others, the position of victims can be determined at crime scenes on which blood has been shed. Blood spatter analysis in faro zone 3d faro knowledge base. Dont make the mistake of going to court with a bloodstain evidence report that lacks a proper backtrack analysis of the scene. The software allows for other combinations and workflows, but the laser scanner method was the subject of this study. Performing this directional analysis of impact patterns can provide the bloodstain pattern analyst with crucial information about the location and posture of an. The book is accessible to all levels of investigators, regardless of academic background, and allows readers to develop a fundamental understanding of the underlying scientific.
For the determination of the areas of origin of the bloodstain pattern, the trajectories of up to 200 welldefined bloodstains were analysed in cad and photogrammetry software. How bloodstain pattern analysis works forensic science. Use of the backtrack tm computer program for bloodstain. A total of 10 blunt force impact patterns were created and initially analyzed utilizing the tangent method. The shape of the bloodstain pattern will depend greatly on the force used to.
Blood spatter breakthrough for forensic scientists. Mar 01, 2011 blood spatter breakthrough for forensic scientists. This study used the backtrack set of computer software programs to determine whether directional analysis could determine two of the three cartesian coordinates for the location of the source of blood drops that moved downward to. With the backtrack suite software the analyst can locate the sources of the blood by carrying out a directional analysis of the bloodstain patterns. Pdf using directional analysis, the backtrack suite of computer programs can be used to analyze a crime scene in which bloodstains only. The aim of bpa is uncovering new information about the actions that took place in a crime scene, potentially leading to a con. Faro technology has been deployed in academic research in canada aimed at discerning the accuracy of. Publications national criminal justice reference service. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
Oct 15, 2011 bloodstain analysts receive specialized training. Computer software programs such as backtrack or hemospat. Bloodstain pattern analysis performed by the indiana state police isp laboratory division attempts to identify any bloodstain patterns present and classify the patterns based on their physical characteristics. Development of a science base and open source software.
Lists papers and journal articles related to hemospat and bloodstain pattern. Currently little is known about the methods used by bloodstain pattern analysts to. Software such as kali linux successor of backtrack linux or hemospat are used to analyze the crime scene. Although the program has been in use for a number of years, few validation studies have been carried out. Bloodstain pattern analysis refers to the analysis of the size, shape and distribution of bloodstains as a method of determining the mechanism or activity which produced them. Validation of the backtrack tm suite of programs for bloodstain pattern analysis. The foundation course in bloodstain pattern analysis is the basic bloodstain pattern analysis course. Validation of the backtrack tm suite of programs for. The pattern of a bloodstain depends on the droplets speed, mass, density speci. Bloodstain pattern analysis bpa is the study and analysis of bloodstains at a known or suspected crime scene with the purpose of drawing conclusions about the nature, timing and other details of the crime. Use of the backtrack computer program for bloodstain pattern. This is taught at many government and private institutions.
Using laser scanning technology to determine bloodstain origin. Development of a science base and open source software for. After the physical work, the blood is checked for indications that could point towards the identity of the killer, or where it is required, the victim. May 02, 2018 one of the techniques and analyses used to assist investigators is bloodstain pattern analysis bpa. Bloodstain pattern analysis is a challenging and fascinating field of forensic science that will continue to provide exciting career opportunities well into the future. Subsequently, a similar program, hemospat, has been developed 12. Validation of the backtrack suite of programs for bloodstain pattern analysis. Using laser scanning technology to determine bloodstain origin abstract in forensic science, knowing the point of origin of bloodstains can help to determine the sequence of events in a violent crime. Blood spatter breakthrough for forensic scientists mit. Software packages such as hemospat and backtrack provide a graphical user interface gui, and improve the automation of some of the calculations. To determine where the blood source was investigators use a straightline approximation. An automated and virtual approach to bloodstain pattern analysis. Use of the backtrack tm computer program for bloodstain pattern analysis of stains from downwardmoving drops.