Instructor: ​ ​David Garber, MPA, CBPA, CSCSA
Course length: 40 hours

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This 40-hour advanced course in bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) is designed for forensic professionals, law enforcement personnel, and individuals with a background in forensic science or related fields who wish to deepen their understanding and expertise in BPA. Through theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, case studies, and discussions, participants will delve into advanced concepts and methodologies in BPA, including trigonometry, fluid dynamics, advanced pattern recognition, area of convergence/origin analysis, and interpretation of bloodstain patterns on fabrics.

Course Objectives:

• To enhance participants' understanding of advanced bloodstain pattern analysis concepts and methodologies.
  
• To develop participants' skills in recognizing, documenting, and interpreting complex bloodstain patterns.
• To provide participants with practical experience through hands-on exercises and case studies.
• to explore legal considerations and ethical issues of bloodstain pattern analysis.

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

• Overview of basic bloodstain pattern analysis concepts (1 hour)
• Physics and Fluid Dynamics (1 hour)
  • Fluid dynamics
    • Non-newtonian fluid
    • Viscosity and Surface Tension
    • Droplet formation
    • Impact and Spatter Dynamics
    • High speed video review
• Case documentation (2 hours)
  • Notes and case file documentation
  • Conclusion building
  • Integrating other forensic reports
  • Report writing lecture

• Experiments and Exercises (4 hours)

Day 2: Advanced Pattern Recognition

• Review of terminology and definitions (2 hours)
  • SWGSTN
  • OSAC
•  Examination of various types of bloodstain patterns (2 hours)
  
  • Passive
  • Impact
  • Transfer
  • Altered
• Experiments and Exercises (4 hours)

Day 3: Area of Convergence/Area or Origin of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

• Understanding the trigonometry of bloodstain pattern formation (2 hours)
• Calculation of angle of impact and directionality (2 hours)
• Reconstruction of bloodstain events using trajectory analysis (2 hours)
• Experiments and Exercises (2 hours)

Day 4: Bloodstain Patterns on Fabrics

• Fabrics overview (1 hour)
  • Knit
  • Weave
  • Wicking
• Microscopic examination (1 hour)
• Classifying bloodstain patterns on fabrics (2 hours)
• Experiments and Exercises (4 hours)

Day 5: Mock Crime Scene

• Creation of Mock Scenes (2 hours)
• Analysis of Mock Scene (6 hours)

Course Delivery Method:

• Lectures
• Interactive discussions and group activities
• Hands-on practical exercises with mock crime scenes
• Case studies and real-world examples
• Multimedia presentations and visual aids

Assessment:

• Participation in discussions and activities
• Completion of practical exercises and case studies
• Written record of student assessment will be maintained in the course file.

Prerequisites:

• Participants must have a foundational understanding of bloodstain pattern analysis or complete a basic BPA course.

Note: This syllabus is subject to modification based on the participant's specific needs and requirements and the availability of resources and instructors.

David Garber

​David Garber holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Creighton University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science from Chaminade University, and a master’s degree in public administration with a criminal justice emphasis from San Diego State University. He is a court-qualified expert in crime scene documentation, latent print processing, bloodstain pattern analysis, and shooting incident reconstruction.

Garber has been employed as a forensic scientist since 2000, with current duties including crime scene investigation and reconstruction, as well as latent print processing. He serves as the Technical Leader for both the Crime Scene Response and Latent Print Processing Units within his agency.

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