Bloodstain FAQ

Home

Bloodstain Pattern Identification

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Standing Committee FAQs

  1. Purpose of this committee is to:

    To administrate business as it relates to the IAI, relative to the bloodstain pattern analysis discipline. This includes all the responsibilities outlined by the By-Laws along with the responses to any current events in the field of bloodstain pattern analysis that is outside the scope of the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Certification Board. Some examples of this include but are not limited to:

    1. Examine current professional issues and formulate position documents for the executive leadership review, critique, modification, and subsequent adoption.
    2. Review IAI application where the applicant lists their primary area of expertise as a bloodstain pattern analyst.
    3. Promote speakers and educational opportunities for the annual conference.
    4. Provide subject matter expertise in answering questions posed to the organization.
       
  2. How do I request to serve on this committee?

    Please talk with the chair of the committee or with the incoming IAI President.

  3. What are the terms for serving on the committee?

    There are no term limits. Each person on the committee is appointed by the incoming IAI president and can be removed by the incoming IAI president as well.

  4. What are the responsibilities of the Chairperson?

    Review IAI applications where the applicant lists their primary area of expertise as bloodstain pattern analyst, coordinate and set an agenda for the annual IAI committee meetings, give an annual report to the IAI’s 4th VP (Chairperson of the Science and Practice Committee) on the latent print committees yearly activities, provide updates for the IAI training manual and related issues in the field, and provide responses to relevant issues, resolutions, and SWGSTAIN documents.

  5. Who can I contact to obtain information regarding this committee?

    The IAI 4th VP (Science and Practices Committee) or the Chair of the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Committee.

  6. Are there any requirements for obtaining employment in the bloodstain pattern analysis discipline?

    There are no requirements other than those set forth by each agency. Therefore each applicant will need to determine what the agencies guidelines are. The below answers are intended to benefit each individual when choosing a College or University and when applying for an entry level position in bloodstain pattern analysis.

    1. Academic? A Bachelors degree, from an accredited College or University, in Forensic Science or a hard science is desired.
    2. Previous Experience? Previous experience is not necessary for an entry level position; however, any type of forensic experience would be desired.
    3. Internship? Any experience gained through internship will only help in future interviews.
    4. Position Specific? A career in bloodstain pattern analysis begins with the attendance of an approved basic 40 hour bloodstain pattern analysis course taught by a recognized qualified instructor.
    5. Agency Specific? Requirements are usually agency specific and therefore the candidate should inquire of each agency for their respective requirements.
       
  7. What source(s) such as a website, standards, best practices, or guidance are utilized by practitioners working in this field?
    1. Journals
      • Journal of Forensic Identification
      • Journal of Forensic Sciences
      • Identification Canada
    2. Newsletters
      • Identification News
      • International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts News
    3. Books
      • Bloodstain Patterns - H. MacDonnell
      • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis - T. Bevel & R. Gardner
      • Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis - S. James, P. Kish & T.P. Sutton
      • Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes - S. James
      • Blood Dynamics - A. Wonder
      • Bloodstain Pattern Evidence - A. Wonder
      • Practical Crime Scene Analysis and reconstruction - R. Gardner & T. Bevel
      • Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation - R. Gardner
      • Scientific and Legal Applications of Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation - S. James
    4. Websites
  8. Is certification available for examiners in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis?

    The IAI offers applicants, found to be qualified upon review by the Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Certification Board the opportunity to sit for an exam towards becoming certified as a Bloodstain Pattern Analyst. See the link for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Certification under the IAI’s website for more information.

  9. Is there an accepted terminology for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis?

    SWGSTAIN has provided the bloodstain pattern analysis community with a list of recommended terminology, www.swgstain.org