Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction

by Tom Bevel, Ross M. Gardner, Tom J. Griffin

Overview

Used properly, bloodstain pattern analysis helps establish events associated with violent crimes. As such, it is a critical bridge between forensics and the ultimate goal of forensics, defining an accurate crime reconstruction. The second edition of this bestselling book is thoroughly updated to employ the latest protocols, including the application of scientific method, the use of flow charts, and the inter-relationship of crime scene analysis to criminal profiling. It provides more illustrations, including color photographs, and explains the use of computer programs to create demonstrative evidence for court. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis aids forensic scientists, investigators, and attorneys in understanding violent crime scenes. It provides quick and accurate information to help the reader understand blood stain pattern information.New in the Second Edition:Discusses the current state of affairs in criminal profiling, with emphasis on the importance of crime scene reconstruction and event analysis in creating an accurate criminal profileDescribes in detail the scientific method as it relates to the investigative process and how the scientific method should guide the investigative processDefines the process of creating and using flow charts as an investigative toolIntroduces and discusses significant new chemical enhancement methods related to bloodstain patternsProvides a significantly enhanced discussion on the issue of evaluating stains found on clothing and fabricPresents over 100 additional photos including blood trails, flow patterns, sequencing of actions, and proper stain measurement (caliper measurement and ellipse template)Explains in depth the use of computerprograms such as Poser and PowerPoint to produce demonstrative evidence for court

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032528502
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/01/2025
Series:	Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations
Edition description:	4th ed.
Pages:	512
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Bevel, Tom; Gardner, Ross M.

Table of Contents

Bloodstain Analysis: Its Function and a Historical Perspective

Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction
Terminology
Understanding the Medium of Blood
Determining Motion and Directionality
Determining Point of Convergence and Point of Origin
Evaluating Impact Spatter Bloodstains
Characteristic Patterns of Blood Which Aid in Analysis
Documenting Bloodstains
Documenting the Reconstruction of a Crime
Automation Applications in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and Crime Scene Reconstruction
Presenting Evidence at Trial
Dealing with Bloodborne Pathogens
Bibliography
Appendix A: Weight/Measure Conversion Chart
Appendix B: Trigonometric Functions and Their Application in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Appendix C: Stroboscopic Photography Techniques

Editorial Reviews

This reference covers the analysis of bloodstain patterns found at violent crime scenes and outlines a logical method for crime scene reconstruction. The volume explains the history and evolution of bloodstain analysis, defines standard terminology, establishes a model for crime scene analysis and reconstruction, explains the properties of blood, and describe how to use bloodstain patterns to understand events that occurred at a crime scene. B&w photographs only. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

This guide for investigators explains the underlying scientific principles involved in bloodstain pattern analysis, which helps in the reconstruction of violent crime scenes. Topics include, for example, the general properties of blood, droplet directionality, documenting bloodstains, and dealing with the risk of bloodborne pathogens. Coverage extends to a discussion of the use of computer programs to produce demonstrative evidence for court. The second edition features over 100 new photographs illustrating the dynamics of bloodstain patterns. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

… completely revised and enhanced … a practical and concisely written text. … the most complete and comprehensive handbook to date from the perspective of the criminal investigator and forensic scientist on the subject of bloodstain spatter analysis….an eloquent and practical guide…”
—(from the foreword) Vernon J. Geberth, M.S., M.P.S., Author of Practical Homicide Investigation

"Mr. Bevel and Mr. Gardner have expanded on the earlier editions of this book and although bloodstain pattern analysis can be a complicated and highly technical subject, this book, although comprehensive, is written in a manner that is easy to understand."

—Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology; Humana Press

"Overall the text is entirely comprehensive and up-to-date in its content; it would be a wise choice for a student of bloodstain pattern analysis."

—Tom Mavin, Sgt., Forensic Identification Branch, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Cambridge, Ontario, writing in Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal

From the Publisher