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Bloodstain Pattern Analysis – Basic

This basic course in Bloodstain Pattern Recognition will assist crime scene investigators in recognizing the value of bloodstain evidence. Recognition of patterns will provide leads for further investigation (e.g. is this a suicide or a homicide and may provide a basis for DNA selection ) All theories are proven through hands-on experimentation.. Should an analyst not be available to attend a specific crime scene, graduates of this course will be able to properly record the scene for analysis by a qualified analyst and subsequent court presentation.

Content

This course will assist crime scene investigators in recognizing the value of bloodstain evidence. All theories are proven through hands-on experimentation. Recognition of patterns will provide leads for further investigation Should an analyst not be available to attend a specific crime scene, graduates of this course will be able to properly record the scene for analysis and subsequent court presentation by a qualified analyst.
In the course the following topics will be covered:

  • History of bloodstain pattern analysis
  • Theoretical background
  • Specific photographic requirements
  • Measurements of bloodstains
  • Enhancement of trace bloodstain evidence with chemicals
  • DNA (sampling) requirements
  • Case reviews
  • How to visualize an impact pattern by using strings
  • Using bloodstain patterns to reconstruct crime scenes
  • The course meets the requirements set by the IABPA.

Goals

Once you have successfully completed the course:

  • You will recognize the different bloodstain patterns
  • You know what mechanisms caused them
  • You are able to make a global interpretation of what might have happened
  • You know the possibilities of forensic bloodstain pattern analysis
  • You can perform an optimal registration

Exam

The course is completed by both a written exam and a practical competency exam.

Target group

Experienced forensic technical investigative police officers, forensic science laboratory staff and forensic physicians.

Dates and duration

Dates
6-10 October 2025.

Duration
Five consecutive days, from 9.00 - 17.00 h (40 hrs)

Location

Police Academy in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.

Costs

€ 1150,- per participant. Prices include a course manual, lunch and refreshments during the course.

N.B.: No VAT will be added.

Hotel and travel costs are not included.

Note

The course is taught in English and meets the requirements set by the IABPA.

More information and registration

For more information, please complete our contact form. Please indicate on the contact form which training/course you are interested in.

For registration, please complete our registration form.