Blood Splatter Analysis Paper
Blood Splatter Analysis
Criminology – Gregory S. Webb
Professor David Geddings
Trident Technical College
Abstract
Blood splatter analysis is an important combination of different forms of forensic science. Using a combination of chemistry, math, physics, and biology blood splatter analysts can predict certain patterns such as: splatter flight characteristics, angles of impact, point and area of convergence, area of origin, and many other patterns that can lead to a very strong and persuasive lead in some cases.
Blood Splatter Analysis Without a doubt, by now; most of the country has heard all about blood splatter analysis and the exciting work the analysts get to face each day through the hit series Dexter. As exciting and hands on as the show perceives the work to be there are several factors that have been unrevealed thus far that can really show how stressful, time consuming, and how very important the analysis can be as a deciding factor in a very close case. Throughout the years, police work has grown through technology, forensics, as well as the process of investigating a situation and considering all factors before making a brash decision. Through the work of forensics including things like blood pattern analysis, the FBI and law enforcement agencies can be as sure as they possibly can be when indicting someone, which is something that has saved the lives and will continue to save lives for years to come. In a brief article by Shanna Freeman, a lengthy history of blood pattern analysis was discovered and traced back somewhat close to the late 1800’s where a brilliant and innovative Dr. Eduard Piotrowski discovered just how important the forensic data can be and published a book called, "Concerning the Origin, Shape, Direction and Distribution of the Bloodstains Following Head Wounds Caused by Blows." It wasn’t until later on in the mid 1900’s, however; that blood pattern analysis came into play through the very popular case of Samuel
Criminology – Gregory S. Webb
Professor David Geddings
Trident Technical College
Abstract
Blood splatter analysis is an important combination of different forms of forensic science. Using a combination of chemistry, math, physics, and biology blood splatter analysts can predict certain patterns such as: splatter flight characteristics, angles of impact, point and area of convergence, area of origin, and many other patterns that can lead to a very strong and persuasive lead in some cases.
Blood Splatter Analysis Without a doubt, by now; most of the country has heard all about blood splatter analysis and the exciting work the analysts get to face each day through the hit series Dexter. As exciting and hands on as the show perceives the work to be there are several factors that have been unrevealed thus far that can really show how stressful, time consuming, and how very important the analysis can be as a deciding factor in a very close case. Throughout the years, police work has grown through technology, forensics, as well as the process of investigating a situation and considering all factors before making a brash decision. Through the work of forensics including things like blood pattern analysis, the FBI and law enforcement agencies can be as sure as they possibly can be when indicting someone, which is something that has saved the lives and will continue to save lives for years to come. In a brief article by Shanna Freeman, a lengthy history of blood pattern analysis was discovered and traced back somewhat close to the late 1800’s where a brilliant and innovative Dr. Eduard Piotrowski discovered just how important the forensic data can be and published a book called, "Concerning the Origin, Shape, Direction and Distribution of the Bloodstains Following Head Wounds Caused by Blows." It wasn’t until later on in the mid 1900’s, however; that blood pattern analysis came into play through the very popular case of Samuel
References: Barksdale, Larry, and Martin Matisoff. "Mathematical & statistical analysis of bloodstain pattern evidence: part II." The Forensic Examiner Summer 2012: 22+. Academic OneFile. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. "Irrefutable evidence; adventures in the history of forensic science." SciTech Book News Mar. 2010. Academic OneFile. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. "Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: guidelines for a quality assurance program in bloodstain pattern analysis." Forensic Science Communications Jan. 2008. Academic OneFile. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. Rowe, Walter F. "Errors in the determination of the point of origin of bloodstains." Forensic Science International 10 Aug. 2006: 47+. Academic OneFile. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. "Principles of bloodstain analysis; theory and practice." SciTech Book News Sept. 2005. Academic OneFile. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. Freeman, Shanna. "How Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Works" 24 April 2008. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/bloodstain-pattern-analysis.htm> 26 October 2012.