​Instructors: Holly Latham, CBPA, CLPE,
​& Kevin Winer  
Course length: 40 hours

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In order for individuals interested in becoming expert witnesses in the field of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis to succeed, it is essential that they practice accepted methodologies in the field on a regular basis and continue their education in the discipline beyond attendance at a basic training class.  We are offering the next level of training in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with this course.

The first day begins with a refresher of basic skills and goes on to discuss how bloodstain pattern can and should be classified.  The ways in which stains are formed will also be discussed.

The second day is designed to introduce the student to the mathematical principles and rules of physics that make analysis of bloodstains meaningful.  The instructional material will also cover analysis of complex bloodstain patterns and determining the sequence of patterns in each scene or portion thereof.

The third day of the class is dedicated to the analysis of bloodstains on fabrics and clothing.  Variables such as the composition and construction of natural and synthetic fibers, construction of yarns, and construction of fabrics effect the formation and appearance of bloodstains when liquid blood is deposited on these materials.  This instruction serves as an introduction to this type of analysis.

Bias is always a concern in any type of forensic analysis.  On the fourth day, bias will be discussed and recommendations to eliminate or minimize the effect of bias on your analysis of bloodstain patterns will be addressed.  Effective strategies for meaningful experimental design for analysts in this field will be taught, and the student will be introduced to the analysis of bloodstained scenes from photographs taken at the scene.  This can be effective in cases where it is impossible for the analyst to visit the scene in person.

One of the most significant pieces of information developed by bloodstain pattern analysts is their reports.  A poorly written report can unravel even the finest analysis of the scene.  A well-written report can help the analyst to make their point in the investigation and more importantly in a judicial proceeding where bloodstain pattern evidence is being considered.  As a logical progression, the instructors will present a block of instruction on testifying most effectively in such judicial proceedings.

Attendance at this course will prepare the student for additional training at the most advanced levels. 


*Prior attendance and completion of a 40-hour basic bloodstain analysis course is required.



Monday    

• Overview and Review (4 Hours)
• Pattern Classification (2 Hours)
• Bloodstain formation (2 Hours)

Tuesday    

• Math and Physics (4 Hours)
• Complex Patterns (2 Hours)
• Sequencing Bloodstain Patterns (2 Hours)

Wednesday    

• Fabrics and Clothing (8 Hours)

Thursday    

• Bias and Methodology (2 Hours)
• Experimental Design (2 Hours)
• Bloodstain Pattern Analysis from Photos (4 Hours)

        
Friday        

• Report Writing (4 Hours)

This course has been approved for 40 hours of certification/recertification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.

Holly Latham, CBPA, CLPE

Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology from Kansas State University and a Master’s Degree in Justice Studies from Fort Hays State University, Holly Latham, CBPE, is the Technical Leader for her agency’s Bloodstain Program and is responsible for authoring the BPA Training Manual and SOPs.

Holly is court qualified as an expert in bloodstain pattern analysis and latent print examination. She has instructed classes on bloodstain pattern analysis in fourteen states, Canada, and for the National Forensic Academy (NFA).

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Kevin R. Winer

As our guest instructor for this course, Kevin Winer is a Chief Criminalist Supervisor at the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory where he has been employed since 1997.  As a Chief Criminalist Supervisor, he oversees trace evidence and has overseen bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) and crime scene reconstruction (CSR) operations for the past 14 years.  He is the Chair of the BPA Research Task Group within the Organization of Scientific Area Committees on Forensic Science (OSAC) and is a member of the Impressions, Pattern, and Trace Evidence Forensic Technology Working Group for the National Institute of Justice.  Kevin is Vice-President at VanStratton, Winer, & Associates, LLC, which provides casework analysis and training primarily in BPA.  BPA courses attended include: Math and Physics of BPA, Fluid Dynamics of Bloodstain Formation, the Fabrics Based BPA course, and BPA on Textiles: A Technology Transition Workshop.  Kevin has provided BPA training in eleven states and has been qualified as an expert witness in twenty counties across five states. ​

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