NCJ Number
156342
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: (July- August 1995) Pages: 396-408
Date Published
1995
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses how to document bloodstain pattern evidence and create the best possible record for presentation in court.
Abstract
Bloodstain pattern evidence is a valuable investigative tool for determine the events that occurred during a violent crime in which blood was shed. The best method for evaluating bloodstain pattern evidence is to visit the crime scene and view the patterns. Often this does not happen and the analysis must work from photographs, notes, and sketches. Proper documentation is important to aid in the reconstruction of events and to preserve the work product of the analysis for presentation in courts. The documentation process consists of six important areas: notes, teamwork, photographic records, sketches, serological analysis, and court presentation. Photographs and 3 references (Author abstract modified)