Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Professional Development Program (BPAPD)
Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Professional Development Program (BPAPD)
Level I Course | Level II Course | Mentorship Program
About
The examination of blood patterns found in a scene or on items recovered from the scene. The BGA Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Professional Development Program (BPAPD) is a cradle-to-grave program consisting of four parts. We feel it represents the most comprehensive study plan for BPA analysts offered in the United States.
To properly train competent bloodstain pattern analysts, a comprehensive training program is required that leads the student from novice to competent analyst and ultimately to the status of expert. In the recent past, questions have been raised with regard to the technical training analysts receive, particularly within the United States.
Based on these concerns, BGA has revised and expanded its bloodstain training curriculum beyond that found in the classic "Basic" and "Advanced" bloodstain courses. The BGA Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Professional Development Program (BPAPD) is intended to better meet the needs of both the student and the discipline.
Concept
The BPAPD program incorporates three distinct training courses of one week each. A Level I course introduces the student to bloodstain pattern analysis with a significant concentration on basic pattern recognition and documentation. The Level II course concentrates on the proper application of the scientific method, experimental design, and clothing examinations. Between the Level II and Level III courses, the student participates in a mentorship program. The mentoring program includes requirements for both case analysis and research design/completion. The Level III course includes a pre-course case analysis and then an on-site course concentration on experimental design and courtroom presentations.
Level I Course
Prerequisites:
None
Length:
A 40-hour course of instruction.
Purpose:
To develop a basic understanding of the discipline of bloodstain pattern analysis.
Course Completion Requirements:
The student must pass a post-course test that concentrates on pattern recognition, directionality, and impact angle calculations with a score of 80%.
Objectives:
Demonstrate knowledge of the development, history, and advancement of bloodstain pattern analysis.
Define the inherent limitations of bloodstain pattern analysis as a forensic discipline.
Identify key bloodstain patterns using a taxonomic classification system and understand the mechanism by which they are created.
Determine impact angles and area of origin for spatter patterns.
Describe proper protective measures to follow in a bloodstained scene.
Demonstrate an ability to evaluate a basic bloodstain pattern scene.
Demonstrate the ability to properly document a bloodstained scene in photographs and written reports.
CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR UPCOMING COURSES:
Register
Level II Course
Prerequisites:
Completion of the Level I course or any Basic BPA course meeting the requirements of the IABPA basic course syllabus.
Length:
A 40-hour course of instruction.
Purpose:
The course will enhance basic skills and develop the novice to a core competency level required for independent analysis.
Course Completion Requirements:
The student must pass a comprehensive post-course test based on the text Bloodstain Pattern Analysis With an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction 3rd Edition with a score of 80%.
Objectives:
Demonstrate the ability to use and apply scientific methods.
Demonstrate the ability to apply experimental design in support of bloodstain pattern analysis.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate bloodstain patterns on clothing.
Recognize and demonstrate how Luminol and LCV are used to enhance latent blood patterns.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate a complex bloodstain pattern scene.
Demonstrate the ability to present bloodstain pattern analysis conclusions in a logical written format.