What Qualifications Does a Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Possess?

Bloodstain pattern analysts examine bloodstains at crime scenes in order to determine the events that caused the bloodshed. By analyzing the patterns, shapes, and distribution of bloodstains, they might be able to deduce the type of weapon used, the sequence of actions which took place, and/or the positions or movements of the victim, perpetrator, and any other people involved. This analysis helps in understanding the dynamics of the crime and can provide critical evidence in investigations and court proceedings.

Like many forensic disciplines, bloodstain pattern analysis is both an art and a science. The scientific aspect involves applying principles of physics, biology, and mathematics to understand how blood behaves when subjected to external forces. But the art is in the interpretation of the patterns the analyst sees; experience, intuition, and contextual understanding all help piece together the story behind the bloodstains.

Bloodstain pattern analysis requires a mix of objective analysis and subjective judgment. Experience and training are crucial. To learn more about bloodstain pattern analysts and what qualifications they have, read on.

Meet the Expert: Scott Swick

Scott Swick is the president of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA) and a Texas Ranger with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He is currently assigned to Company “C” in Amarillo, Texas and fully involved in major criminal investigations and crime scene investigation, to include bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction, crime scene reconstruction, and forensic mapping. He has a Master Peace Officer License with over 19 years of law enforcement experience and a Certified Bloodstain Pattern Analyst through the IAI.

Swick is a certified instructor and currently instructs in the Texas Ranger Division Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course. He is a member of the Texas Rangers Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Working Group, the Texas Rangers Officer Involved Shooting Working Group, The Texas Rangers State Major Crime Scene Team, and serves as the Team Leader for the Texas Rangers Company “C” Crime Scene Team. He is also a 2018 graduate of the University of Tennessee National Forensics Academy and is a Certified Crime Scene Analyst through the International Association of Identification.

Swick has previously served as IABPA Vice President, Region 3 (Central). In addition to the IABPA, Scott is a member of the International Association of Identification and the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction. He is also owner and principal consultant of Vector Forensics.

The Evolution of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

“Bloodstain pattern analysis, whose origins are over 150 years old, has changed immensely over the last 10 years,” Swick says.

The discipline can be traced back to 1895, with Dr. Eduoard Piotrowski’s studies in Austria about the way blood spatter resulted from head wounds. In the 1950s, Dr. Paul Kirk brought bloodstain pattern analysis to greater prominence, and his analysis of bloodstains in the Sam Sheppard murder case demonstrated the discipline’s application in criminal investigations. The establishment as a forensic discipline came in the 1970s and 1980s, with the creation of training standards and professional organizations like the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA).

The current era of bloodstain pattern analysis, which dates from roughly the 1990s to today, is characterized by the introduction of advanced technologies like digital imaging and 3D modeling and more rigorous standards of certification, training, and analysis. Terrestrial scanning and other cutting-edge technologies promise to further push the boundaries of what’s possible.

“These new technologies have allowed the bloodstain pattern analyst to develop more precise calculations and, therefore, a more accurate analysis,” Swick says.

Qualifications for Bloodstain Pattern Analysts

Different jurisdictions will have different sets of standards for what makes a qualified bloodstain pattern analyst. But the fact that there are standards is important. The work of bloodstain pattern analysts can make or break a case, and an analyst may need to testify at trial as to how they came to their conclusions.

For Swick, a quality-trained analyst should have successfully attended more than one 40-hour basic bloodstain pattern analysis training course, more than one 40-hour advanced bloodstain pattern analysis training course, a fluid dynamics course with bloodstain pattern analysis principles, a math and physics in bloodstain pattern analysis training course, a bloodstain pattern analysis on fabrics training course, and some type of crime scene reconstruction training courses.

“These courses would be a solid foundation to begin a mentorship program under a qualified bloodstain pattern analyst, where one could hone their skills more and ultimately complete a certification process,” Swick says. “That, coupled with real case experience, would then allow a bloodstain pattern analyst to possibly be considered someone capable of rendering an opinion in a courtroom setting.”

One such certification process is offered through the International Association for Identification (IAI), which requires passing a proctored written test, a bloodstain pattern identification test, bloodstain pattern analysis scenario questions based on prior real bloodstain investigations, and an area of convergence and area of origin calculation test on a known bloodstain impact pattern. Those who complete the certification process will hold the title of IAI certified bloodstain pattern analyst for a 5-year period, after which they would need to complete a recertification process. True expertise is a direction, not a destination.

“The term ‘expert’ is overused in the forensic world,” Swick says. “I don’t consider myself an expert. While I have had many hours of bloodstain pattern analysis training, along with real case experience, I am continuously learning new things and must be open to changes in the discipline.”

Top Challenges in Bloodstain Analysis

Swick points out that while bloodstain pattern analysis is rooted in deeply proven scientific disciplines, there are subjective elements to what is reviewed, analyzed, and ultimately reported. That’s no different than any other forensic discipline where scientific principles are paired with a human factor and perspective, but it remains an important point. Bias, whether known or unknown to the analyst, can play a role in their final product.

“In my opinion, the primary challenge facing a bloodstain pattern analyst today is being able to view all pieces of evidence in an unbiased and neutral way, so as to complete the most accurate analysis, which in turn will allow for the best end result, regardless of public opinion,” Swick says. “An analyst’s job is always to report what the evidence shows, and this can sometimes be a tough job when you are dealing with possible subjective items or reviews.”

Advanced technology has been a huge benefit to bloodstain pattern analysts, but it can sometimes give a false sense of security. Over-reliance on technological tools can lead to an underestimation of contextual factors, and the danger of feeding one’s own confirmation biases.

“The analyst must remember to stay grounded in the science,” Swick says. “Having a more universal standard in training and experience would assist in having more qualified analysts, who I believe can better apply this idea towards their analysis.”

The Future of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Advancements in AI have shown promise in bloodstain pattern analysis. AI algorithms, particularly machine learning models, tend to perform well in recognizing and classifying patterns of all types. Applied to bloodstain pattern analysis, AI may be able to quickly identify patterns like spatter, cast-off, and transfer stains. They may also be able to aid in crime scene reconstruction, simulation, and automated reporting. But it’s still early days.

“AI is a very intriguing area of study right now in bloodstain pattern analysis,” Swick says. “But I believe there are more studies needed before it can become truly beneficial.”

Bloodstain pattern analysis will continue to be shaped by new technological advancements, which will in turn aid analysts in coming to more accurate and informative results. More standardized methodologies related to training and certification will further strengthen its credibility in the legal systems. The discipline will, in turn, become more integral in solving crimes, and cement itself as a pillar of modern investigative work.

“The future of bloodstain pattern analysis is a bright one,” Swick says.