Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction, Third Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations)

Objective establishment of the truth is the goal of any good crime scene investigator. This demands a consideration of all evidence available using proven scientific methodologies to establish objective snapshots of the crime. The majority of forensic disciplines shed light on the “who” of a crime, bloodstain pattern analysis is one of the most important disciplines to address “what” happened. Understanding the discipline, its underlying scientific basis, and how best to apply this knowledge is crucial in the investigator’s quest for the truth. Internationally known experts in crime scene analysis, Tom Bevel and Ross M. Gardner explore bloodstain pattern analysis in depth, explaining what it is, how it is used, and the practical methodologies employed to achieve defensible results. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction, Third Edition: Presents a specific and detailed taxonomy of bloodstain pattern characteristics Offers a full-color fold-out Decision Map to guide analysts through the classification process Uses full-color photos and diagrams to illustrate concepts Describes the theory, principles, and methodology for crime scene reconstruction Details proven, applicable scientific methodologies Emphasizes observable and reproducible results to mitigate accusations of subjectivity in evidence and testimony Provides more than 60% new or significantly revised information Offering practical advice and tips for novices and experienced professionals, this book employs clear, lucid, and reasoned scientific arguments to provide the tools to guide and focus any investigative effort. Captain Tom Bevel is a 27-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department, retiring in 1996 as Commander of the Homicide, Robbery, Missing Persons, and Unsolved Homicide units. He is held in high esteem as a qualified expert in crime scene reconstruction and bloodstain pattern analysis in state, federal, and foreign courts. His knowledge and expertise as a crime scene consultant has been sought after in 45 US states and 11 foreign countries. He owns a forensic education and consulting company in his home state of Oklahoma. Ross M. Gardner retired as a Command Sergeant Major and Special Agent in 1999 after serving a total of 24 years in US Army law enforcement. Certified by the International Association for Identification as a Senior Crime Analyst for the past 16 years, Gardner is an active instructor and consultant throughout the United States in crime scene analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, and crime scene investigation. Content: Front cover Editor's Note Contents Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Introduction The Authors Chapter 1. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Its Function and a Historical Perspective Chapter 2. Bloodstain Pattern Terminology Chapter 3. Bloodstain Classification Chapter 4. A Methodology for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Chapter 5. The Medium of Blood Chapter 6. Anatomical Considerations in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Chapter 7. Determining Motion and Directionality Chapter 8. Determining the Point of Convergence and the Area of Origin Chapter 9. Evaluating Impact Spatter Bloodstains. Chapter 10. Understanding and Applying Characteristic Patterns of BloodChapter 11. Bloodstained Clothing Issues Chapter 12. Presumptive Testing and Enhancement of Blood Chapter 13. Documenting Bloodstains Chapter 14. An Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction and Analysis Chapter 15. Presenting Evidence Chapter 16. Experimentation in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Chapter 17. Dealing with the Risk of Bloodborne Pathogens Appendix A: Weight/Measurement Coversion Table (Approximations) Appendix B: Trigonometric Functions and Their Application in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Index. Back cover. Covering such topics as a taxonomic classification system, methodology based on scientific method, experiments in support of bloodstain pattern analysis, and various presumptive testing and enhancement techniques for bloodstains, this edition is revised and updated. The third edition of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction features new chapters enhancing it's usefulness to those in forensics. These include chapters that: detail a true taxonomic classification system, with a supporting decision map to aid analysts in the field; a specific methodology based on scientific method; conducting experiments in support of bloodstain pattern analysis; anatomical issues associated to bloodstain pattern analysis; issues surrounding the examination of clothing in bloodstain pattern analysis; as well as a chapter detailing the various presumptive testing and enhancement techniques for bloodstains. This edition provides full color photos, more than twice the amount included in the previous edition Bloodstain pattern analysis: its function and a historical perspective Bloodstain pattern terminology Bloodstain classification A methodology for bloodstain pattern analysis The medium of blood Anatomical considerations in bloodstain pattern analysis Determining motion and directionality Determining the point of convergence and the area of origin Evaluating impact spatter bloodstains Understanding and applying characteristic patterns of blood Bloodstained clothing issues Presumptive testing and enhancement of blood Documenting bloodstains An introduction to crime scene reconstruction and analysis Presenting evidence Experimentation in bloodstain pattern analysis Dealing with the risk of bloodborne pathogens Appendix: A weight/measurement conversion table Appendix B: Trigonometric functions and their application in bloodstain pattern analysis Index.