Blood Pattern Analyst Professional Development Program

BLOOD PATTERN ANALYSIS

The examination of blood patterns found in a scene or on items recovered from the scene. The BGA Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Professional Development Program (BPAPD) is a cradle to grave program consisting of four parts. We feel it represents the most comprehensive study plan for bloodstain pattern analysts offered in the United States.

To properly train competent bloodstain pattern analysts, a comprehensive training program is required that leads the student from novice to competent analyst and ultimately to the status of expert. In the recent past, questions have been raised with regard to the technical training analysts receive, particularly within the United States.

Based on these concerns BGA has revised and expanded its bloodstain training curriculum beyond that found in the classic "Basic" and "Advanced" bloodstain courses. The BGA Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Professional Development Program (BPAPD) is intended to better meet the needs of both the student and the discipline.

NEXT TRAINING

To begin this training we are offering a Level I course in Denton, TX from April 20-24th. There are no prerequisites. This class offers 40hrs of professional instruction to develop a basic understanding of the discipline of BPA.

FUTURE DATES
Other Level I courses offered are in Idaho Falls, ID from June 15-19th and Colorado Springs, CO from July 6-10th.

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More from Singapore

Ross Gardner completed a two-week presentation on Crime Scene Reconstruction (CSR) I and II with an emphasis on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. The course was conducted for the Health Services Authority (HSA) of Singapore’s Forensic Laboratory. Students included eleven forensic analysts of varying experience levels. Bevel, Gardner & Associates' hosts were Peter Wilson and Dr. Yee Wee Chuan, who hope to develop a more robust protocol to follow for conducting reconstructions in Singapore. Prior students from HSA had attended the CSR I course and introduced the Event Analysis methodology to both the laboratory and the Singapore criminal justice system. 

Singapore Applied Sciences Group – Questions with Prof. Sunhil

While teaching in Singapore, Ross had occasion to visit with Prof. Sunhil Sethi, Director of the Applied Sciences Group, Health Services Authority of Singapore. Prof Sunhil over sees all of the government labs in the country including the forensic science laboratory.

Prof. Sunhil posed an interesting question to Ross: What skills are necessary for a forensic examiner, particularly those doing comparative analysis? And what metric does one use to test such skills? Due to having a smaller forensic laboratory with fewer positions available, this is a major concern for him. Choosing the right candidate who has the greatest potential to be a successful examiner is imperative to the laboratory leadership.

As they discussed the issue, Prof. Sunhil indicated that academic training in and of itself does not guarantee the examiner will be successful. With regard to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and certainly Crime Scene Analysis both agreed that some of the more important skill sets required were attention to detail, good problem solving skills and the ability to visualize patterns (of any nature). Although these skills can be taught to a certain level, if they are not innate – a natural part of the way the examiner thinks and operates - the examiner will likely struggle.

The Applied Sciences Group are seeking some form of metric/aptitude test(s) that might assist them in selecting examiner candidates. As an example, the two discussed an aptitude test utilized by the US Army Crime Laboratory Fingerprint Division in the 1980’s that tested pattern recognition. This is an interesting issue for those responsible for selecting examiners, one that may well have existing solutions in the social science fields. 

Crime Scene Reconstruction used in Trial

Earlier this week, Ross Gardner testified in a major homicide trial in Seattle. In 2007, six members of the Anderson family were murdered. Bevel, Gardner and Associates were brought in for consultation by the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office to assist back in 2009.  At trial, Gardner performed a detailed demonstration in the courthouse using a photographic copy of the scene floor and all of the original crime scene evidence.  This allowed Gardner to better explain the results of the analysis and helped the jury understand the flow of activity during the homicides.

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U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Training

Over the last few years, The US Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has turned to Bevel, Gardner and Associates to assist in developing their Special Agents. These agents were chosen as Forensic Science Technicians (FST) to attend the Level I Bloodstain Training in Ft Gillem, GA. Upon completion of the training held on, January 26th – 30th, the FST students then attended the Advanced Crime Scene course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA.  Following this course, the students returned to Hunter Army Airbase in Georgia for a detailed practical exercise at 3rd Military Police Group (CID) Headquarters.  Bevel, Gardner and Associates is proud to say this is the fourth iteration they have supported.

Dubai Training

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Dubai, UAE

Jon and Ross were recently requested by the Dubai Police Department to conduct Crime Scene Reconstruction training. Our experts traveled to the United Arab Emirates between December 8th-19th to present both Level I and Level II Crime Scene Reconstruction Training courses. We were excited to see so many different areas of the Dubai Police forces in attendance. Representatives included Medical Examiners, Crime Scene Investigators, Criminal Investigators from the General Department of Criminal Investigation, as well as scientists from their forensics lab.