Essay On Blood Pattern Analysis

Words: 732
Pages: 3

Blood pattern analysis is the examination of the shape, angle, size and distribution of bloodstains in connection to a crime. Bloodstain patterns can be classified as dripped, splashed, projected, impact, transferred, or expirated. The majority of bloodstain analysis have been used in homicide cases, however, they have also been used in sexual assaults, burglaries, and hit-and-runs. The type of blood pattern found at a crime scene allows investigators to determine the victim's last movements, the amount of force used, and the type of weapon used to commit the crime. It has also been instrumental in differentiating between a homicide, suicide, and burglary. Although blood pattern analysis was first used in the 1890s, it has become more widespread …show more content…
Liquid blood should be absorbed with a cotton ball, dried, and then placed in a paper bag. Blood should always be kept refrigerated or frozen to preserve the nature of the blood. Another problem associated with bloodstain analysis is that many objects produce similar patterns. Therefore, it becomes difficult to determine which object was used to commit the crime. Occasionally, blood patterns are comprised of a small amount of stains causing the analyst to determine whether they have enough data to make a classification. Also, the surface on which the blood is located adds another level of complexity. Smooth surfaces are more likely to retain the shape of the blood while rough surfaces absorb the stain. Some of the ways to reduce complications associated with differentiating between objects is to create a manual that has a range of objects that are covered in blood. This manual would look similar to a photo lineup. The existence of a blood stain manual will give investigators globally a standard for analyzing different types of blood spatter. Although blood spatter cannot be used on its own to prove what actually occurred at the crime scene, it has become important in understanding the interworking of the