Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction

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

Overview

Blood Stain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction, Fourth Edition provides criminal investigators and forensic scientists with a complete and comprehensive handbook on bloodstain pattern analysis.

Bringing over 90 combined years of practical experience—and thousands of cases worked collectively—the authors explain the complex mechanics of blood spatter analysis, including anatomical issues relative to bloodstain pattern analysis, a discussion of blood and the circulatory system, and the nature of bleeding associated with various traumatic and non-traumatic injuries. The book also details specific methodologies for crime scene analysis and reconstruction, explaining the proven methodology involved in the process. Such methodology is built upon scientific method and provides focus and structure to the analyst as they evaluate evidence and conduct their work and the investigation.

Finally, all chapters are fully revised and updated to address the latest taxonomy and terminology, with over 400 full-color photographs included to illustrate the dynamics of bloodstain pattern analysis.

Key features:

• Presents a specific and detailed taxonomy of bloodstain pattern characteristics, outlining recently updated NIST’s OSAC terminology
• Includes two full-color fold-outs Decision Map to guide analysts through the classification process
• Details the theory, principles, and methodology for crime scene reconstruction
• Expands the bloodstain on clothing chapter, to include new developments in the understanding of bloodstain features and characteristics on cloth

Offering practical advice and tips for new and experienced professionals alike, Blood Stain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction, Fourth Edition offers readers the necessary tools to guide and focus any investigative effort.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040304617
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/01/2025
Series:	ISSN
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	512

About the Author

Tom Bevel is the President and creator of Bevel, Gardner and Associates Inc., a forensic education and consulting company. He was an associate professor in the Masters of Forensic Science program at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma. He retired after 27 years with the Oklahoma City Police Department. His last assignment was the Commander of the Homicide, Robbery, Missing Persons, and the Major Unsolved Case units.

Ross M. Gardner is Vice President of Bevel, Gardner and Associates. He worked for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC) as a felony criminal investigator for nearly 20 years. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major and Special Agent in 1999 after serving a total of 24 years in the U.S. Army law enforcement. Mr. Gardner subsequently served four years as the Chief of Police for Lake City, Georgia, a small suburban Atlanta police department. He is now retired and active in independent consulting.

Tom J. “Grif” Griffin is the owner of Griffin Forensic Solutions & Consulting, LLC, and a partner in Bevel, Gardner & Associates. Mr. Griffin holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from The Colorado College and did graduate work in chemistry at the University of Northern Colorado where he designed and instructed a course in forensic chemistry. He worked as a criminalist and CSI at the Greeley, Colorado Police Department for four years before going to the Denver office of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation as a forensic chemist, crime scene investigator, and bloodstain pattern analyst. He retired from CBI after 27 years to become a private consultant and instructor.

Table of Contents

1. History of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. 2. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis’s Place as a Scientific Discipline 3. Bloodstain Pattern Terminology 4. The Pattern Diversity Principle: Classifying Bloodstains 5. Stain Shape and Vector Correlation—Issues of Motion and Spatial Origin 6. Stain Shape and Vector Correlation—Area of Origin Considerations 7. Evaluating Impact Spatter 8. The Physically Altered Bloodstain 9. Bloodstain Fabric Considerations 10. A Methodology for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 11. Presumptive Testing and Enhancement of Blood 12. Documenting Bloodstain Patterns 13. Experimentation in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 14. Introduction to Crime Scene Analysis 15. Presenting Evidence App A. Weight/Measurement Conversion Table App B. Trigonometric Functions and Their Application in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis App C. Dealing with Blood-Borne Pathogens App D. Detailed Explanation for Using the BPA Decision Map, With Examples

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