A novel, element-based approach for the objective classification of bloodstain patterns

Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved..

The classification of bloodstain patterns has been identified as a challenging part of bloodstain pattern analysis due to the lack of a widely accepted and well-defined methodology and the ambiguity often associated with examining bloodstain patterns. The main aim of this study was to develop an objective, science-based method, for classifying bloodstain patterns, through the development of common language that could be used by BPA experts to describe the appearance of the pattern. This novel approach encourages a shift in the mindset of a BPA analyst by bringing them 'back to the basics' by treating components of a bloodstain pattern as discrete, observable and measurable units. One of the principal problems with current pattern classification methods is that pattern types are generally described in terms of the mechanism of pattern formation rather than grouping according to observable pattern characteristics. This study extends current BPA classification methodologies by developing and validating mechanism-free nomenclature that arises from observing and documenting the physical characteristics of bloodstain patterns. Following the grouping of bloodstain components on the basis of their physical characteristics, the formation evolution of these components is then investigated using concepts drawn from the fluid-dynamics of bloodstain pattern formation. This study offers a promising approach to distinguishing between different bloodstain pattern types through the use of visual aids in the form of colour maps, high-speed video and static digital images.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2015

Erschienen:

2015

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:257

Enthalten in:

Forensic science international - 257(2015) vom: 02. Dez., Seite 220-228

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Arthur, Ravishka M [VerfasserIn]
Cockerton, Sarah L [VerfasserIn]
de Bruin, Karla G [VerfasserIn]
Taylor, Michael C [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

BPA
Bloodstain pattern analysis
Classification
Forensic science
Journal Article
Pattern

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 05.10.2016

Date Revised 06.03.2018

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.08.028

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM252909674