Description
Specialize in the identification, documentation, and analysis of bloodstain patterns to reconstruct events in violent crimes. Conduct scene and laboratory examinations to determine directionality, mechanisms, and area of origin of bloodshed; preserve and interpret blood evidence; prepare clear reports and expert testimony; and collaborate with investigators, medical examiners, and DNA laboratories while maintaining biohazard safety and chain of custody.
- • Respond to crime scenes to locate, document, and preserve blood evidence.
- • Identify, classify, and interpret bloodstain patterns (passive, transfer, projected, cast-off, expirated, arterial).
- • Determine directionality, angles of impact, and area of origin using measurement, stringing, or 3D methods.
- • Reconstruct sequences of events involving bloodshed and correlate findings with injuries and statements.
- • Use chemical reagents and alternate light sources to detect latent or cleaned blood (e.g., luminol, Bluestar).
- • Perform presumptive blood tests and coordinate confirmatory serology or DNA testing.
- • Operate and maintain cameras, ALS, lasers, total stations, 3D scanners, and BPA software.
- • Photograph and video-record bloodstains with scales and color standards; produce diagrams and scene maps.
- • Collect and package bloodstained items and swabs for DNA analysis while maintaining chain of custody.
- • Examine bloodstains on clothing, weapons, and vehicles to infer handling, movement, or impact events.
- • Evaluate voids, dilution, clotting, saturation, and drying to estimate timing or sequence of events.
- • Conduct controlled experiments or reconstructions to test hypotheses about bloodshed mechanisms.
- • Prepare detailed, defensible written reports, diagrams, and demonstrative exhibits.
- • Testify in court as an expert on BPA methods, findings, limitations, and conclusions.
- • Review BPA case files and reports for technical merit and compliance with SOPs and quality standards.
- • Consult with detectives, prosecutors, medical examiners, and other forensic specialists on interpretation.
- • Train and mentor personnel in BPA techniques, scene processing, documentation, and safety.
- • Follow biohazard safety protocols and decontaminate equipment and work areas.
- • Maintain proficiency, validations, and quality assurance records; participate in proficiency testing.
- • Manage evidence handling, storage, and tracking using chain-of-custody procedures and LIMS.
- • Use 3D modeling or trajectory software to visualize stain distribution and area of origin.
- • Provide scene measurements and scaled sketches focused on bloodstain evidence.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
