How to become A Blood Splatter Analyst

• Blood Splatter Expert
• Bloodstain Pattern Analysts

What do Blood Splatter Analysts do?

A Blood Splatter Analyst would typically need to:

• Investigate the bloodstain patterns on various surfaces at a crime scene to try and figure out how the crime was committed
• Take pictures and make sketches of the crime scene, and collect physical evidence, as per standard norms
• Record their first impressions to help with further analysis; send the physical evidence to the lab, if necessary
• Use the photographs to undertake a bloodstain pattern interpretation
• Study the blood stains and stain patterns on items of physical evidence and clothing recovered from the crime scene
• Identify the kind of weapon used; specify the location and movement of the victim or suspect
• Establish how a particular stain or pattern came into being, based on the size, shape, consistency, and relative location of individual stains
• Specify the flight path of the object which may have been used as a weapon, the number of wounds inflicted on the victim 
• Use computer software to reconstruct the crime scene as per their observation and analysis
• Write a detailed report on their precise evaluation of the actions or sequence of actions leading to the creation of observed bloodstains and patterns 
• Assist detectives and investigators in figuring out the exact nature of the crime and whether or not a death was suicide or murder
• Testify in court; provide law enforcement officers with crucial evidence for exemplary and just prosecution

Blood Splatter Analysts spend the better part of the workday at crime scenes and in laboratories. You may spend time in office rooms to analyse data or consult with colleagues and in courtrooms to testify.

You will work with a host of other law enforcement officers and forensic scientists. Some cases may require travel across the town or to other counties, cities or regions.

While Blood Splatter Analysts might have a regular work schedule, they need to be prepared to go to a crime scene at all times. They should also be prepared to work long hours over weekends and holidays, depending on the local crime rate. You may find yourself working staggered day, evening, or night shifts with regular overtime.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Blood Splatter Analysts can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. You can also freelance as a contractor or expert witness for a private attorney.

Blood Splatter Analysts are generally employed by:

• Forensic Services 
• The Police Department
• Government Crime Laboratories 
• The Department of Justice
• The Department of Defence 
• Medical Schools
• University Research Departments
• Public Health Laboratories 
• Fire Investigation Companies
• Private Attorneys

Professional associations and organisations, such as International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA) and International Association for Identification (IAI), are crucial for Blood Splatter Analysts interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Following appropriate health and safety procedures to counteract exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and biohazardous bodily fluids
• A stressful and oftentimes traumatic work environment which includes gory scenes and the aftermath of violent acts
• Tight deadlines and extended hours when working on a top priority case
• Being called to work at any point during the day, including nights, weekends and holidays

Blood Pattern Analysis is a competitive field. Still, work experience in a hospital or scientific research centre can pave the way for a streamlined entry. Look for work placements or internships at biological research and development facilities.

You can also ask to shadow experienced Blood Splatter Analysts at laboratories or police offices and read about the discipline for an in-depth understanding. 

Member-benefit professional organisations will keep you updated on the latest developments in the field, offer a range of useful services and products, and help you build a strong network. Check for student memberships and programs so you can join them at a reasonable time.

Most Blood Splatter Analysts obtain a certificate or an associate or bachelor’s degree in natural sciences such as chemistry and biology or specialised fields such as forensic science, criminal justice and criminology.

An ideal academic program would include specific courses in biology, anatomy, statistical analysis, geology, chemistry, constitutional law and criminology to  facilitate the acquisition of an entry-level job or entrance to specialised programs. The latter will teach you how to analyse bloodstains at a crime scene so you can identify the kind of weapon used and the reconstruction of the crime.

Focus on chemistry, physics, biology, maths and civics in high school.

Certification in bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) from an objective and reputed organisation can help a promising Blood Splatter Analyst stand out in a competitive job market and allow them to become an independent consultant.

A typical course may mandate around 250 hours of virtual and classroom training in BPA, crime scene investigation, crime scene/forensic photography, evidence recovery, blood detection techniques, medico-legal death investigation, and forensic science and technology.

 A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Check in with relevant local, national, and international organisations and boards to understand certification options and requirements. Certification programs developed by The International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA) are widely accepted and might even be required to work in some regions.

An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Experience, further knowledge, and an excellent work record makes it easy for Blood Splatter Analysts to progress in their careers. Geographic mobility can also open new doors.

You can be promoted as a Reporting Officer and then become a Casework Examiner before eventually moving into a managerial position. Further career advancement may depend on your specific skills.

You can also take up research or freelance as a contractor or expert witness to private attorneys.

Blood Splatter Analysts with relevant education, experience, certification, and good work history have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Blood Splatter Analyst build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also enables the regular renewal of requisite certifications.

New hires undergo two to three years, depending on the employer, of rigorous on-the-job training, before they can execute their duties independently. They may also need to complete short courses, workshops, or hands-on training to enhance their laboratory, blood pattern analysis and statement writing skills.

Your employer may also want you to receive real-time training in health and safety, court room and presentation skills, and project management. Conferences, seminars, lectures and workshops by relevant professional organisations will help you stay abreast of the latest research and developments in the field.

Now would be the time to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate in your chosen speciality. Take up an accredited advanced program in BPA that includes crime scene reconstruction, forensic examination of violent crimes and staged crime scene investigations.

Which Skills Help A Blood Splatter Analyst Succeed?

While subject matter expertise and experience are crucial, excellent communication, presentation, mathematical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills are pertinent to solving your cases and presenting your findings. 

You also need to be detail-oriented to zero in on important clues and be computer literate to recreate the crime scene using special software. Lastly, while no one expects you to be a professional photographer, having good photography skills is a plus since you might have to take pictures for evidence collection and recreation of the crime scene.

In Some Places

In some regions and departments where Blood Splatter Analysts and other forensic scientists are sworn in as police officers, you must attend the police academy.

How Do They Differ?

Though a layperson would label them all as bloodstains, there are noteworthy differences between blood splatter patterns, blood drip patterns and blood transfer patterns.

Blood splatter patterns are created by blood drops released from an object due to its movement (cast-off pattern) or by an object hitting a source of blood (impact pattern). They help the analyst identify the weapon, the victim’s location, and the force used on them, 

Blood drip patterns happen when blood drips into a pool on the floor, causing droplets to be released. They help determine the direction and the speed at which the person or object was moving when the drip was created.

Blood transfer patterns come into being when a hand, shoe, or piece of cloth transfers blood from one surface or object to another, usually due to a struggle or a botched clean-up or escape activity.

The different types of blood splatter around a crime scene can help law enforcers and analysts determine what kind of weapon was used to commit the crime. 

It is not a job for the faint-hearted; nor will it fetch you glowing accolades. While the majority of your work may remain unacknowledged by society at large, the satisfaction you gain from knowing that you have helped uphold justice and maybe right a wrong will keep you going strong.

“It is a capital mistake to theorise before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgment.” 

Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet, 1887