Purchase Course

Basic Bloodstain Course

May 15th – 19th, 2017

St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
4700 West Midway Road
Fort Pierce, Fl 34981


Course Registration
Cost: $650.00 per student


Bloodstain Pattern Analysis for the Detective and Attorney

How Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Affects an Investigation

This course is designed for detectives who investigate violent crimes with bloodshed. The objective of this course is to advance the student’s knowledge in multiple areas of bloodstain pattern analysis so that all of the personnel involved in the investigation will understand the value of bloodstain evidence and how to effectively apply it throughout the investigation. It is designed to bring a cohesive understanding of the cause, effect, and implications of various bloodstains and patterns to the Detectives investigating the crime.

This 2 day course utilizes extensive case file studies as well as laboratory experiments to introduce the student to the types of bloodstains and patterns commonly encountered at the scene.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and the Criminal Trial

This lecture is designed to introduce the criminal attorney to the basic concepts and theories of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. It is designed to bring a cohesive understanding of the cause, effect, and implications of various bloodstains and patterns found at a crime scene. 

This lecture is comprised of several case file reviews each showing how the blood evidence either confirms or refutes statements made by all parties involved in the investigation.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Courses for the Crime Scene Investigator and Forensic Scientist

Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

This course is designed for crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, detectives, members of the criminal justice system, and forensic science students interested in the application of bloodstain pattern analysis at crime scenes. It is intended to develop a fundamental knowledge of the basic principles of bloodstain pattern analysis and their practical application to case work.

This basic course consists of 40 hours of instruction with both lectures and laboratory experiments.

At the conclusion of the course the student should be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the development, history and advancement of the discipline of BPA
  • understand the scientific theory of blood drop and bloodstain formation
  • recognize key bloodstain patterns and understand the mechanism by which they were created
  • determine angles of impact for bloodstains
  • determine area of convergence and area of origin within blood patterns
  • demonstrate knowledge of the methods of documenting bloodstain scenes both photographically and in written format
  • demonstrate an ability to select samples for serological and DNA testing

Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course

This course is designed for crime scene investigators who have completed at least one 40 hour Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis course and have worked scenes where they completed bloodstain pattern documentation. It is designed to enhance and strengthen basic skills and provide additional techniques to prepare the student to conduct their own independent bloodstain analysis.

This is a 40 hour course of lectures, laboratory work, and extensive case file reviews. Students are encouraged to present a  case from their agency for class discussion.

At the conclusion of the course the student should be able to:

  • Understand how to approach bloodstain pattern analysis on a case by case basis
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method when conducting a bloodstain pattern analysis
  • Determine the area of origin for multiple blood impacts utilizing both the tangent and stringing methods
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify multiple bloodstains within a complex pattern scene
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify bloodstains and patterns on clothing
  • Write a well composed and scientifically sound report

Current and Advanced Topics in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course

This advanced course is designed for the crime scene investigator who has completed a 40 hour Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis course and has conducted independent bloodstain pattern documentation and/or analysis. The course is intended to strengthen the students ability to conduct a proper bloodstain pattern analysis at the scene and during case file review.

This 24 hour course is comprised of lectures, laboratory work, and case file review. Some of the topics addressed include how to write a proper report, how to prepare for admissibility hearings such as Daubert, proper courtroom testimony techniques, and new initiatives being discussed in the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC).

Please contact Cox Forensic Consulting and Training for additional information

and if your agency is interested in hosting any of these courses.