Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (Cox)

Instructor: Anna Cox, MFS
Course length: 40 hours

This 40-hour Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) course is designed for the student who wants to learn how to correctly identify and document bloodstain patterns. It will begin with the fundamental principles of BPA and theories behind pattern formation, and evolve to practical application including scenario based training and mock scenes.

Classroom presentations are supplemented with numerous hands-on activities, and more than 50% of the class is dedicated to practical application.

By the end of the training the student will feel comfortable analyzing a scene and be able to understand the actions that could or could not have occurred. This class will be useful to crime scene investigators, laboratory personnel who analyze bloodstained evidence, detectives who interview individuals involved in scenes of bloodshed and prosecutors who should have an understanding of the discipline before presenting BPA evidence in court.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Develop an understanding of the physical characteristics of bloodstain patterns
Learn how to correctly document and collect bloodstains and bloodstain patterns
Develop an understanding of the physics and mathematics of blood in motion
Understand how bloodstain pattern analysis can be utilized to aid in case reconstruction

COURSE CONTENT

History of bloodstain pattern analysis
Composition of blood
Physics of blood and blood in motion
Bloodstain terminology
Bloodstain pattern analysis methodology
Bloodstain pattern characteristics and identification
Documentation and collection of bloodstains
Determining area of convergence and area of origin in impact patterns
Case examples utilizing bloodstain pattern analysis
Limitations of bloodstain pattern analysis
Introduction to report writing and courtroom testimony
Bloodstain pattern analysis reconstruction

Anna Cox, MFS

Anna M. Cox has worked in the field of forensics for over 25 years. She began her career as a volunteer autopsy technician for the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office in January of 2000. In July of 2000, Anna was hired by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Section as a Forensic Science Specialist. She began her bloodstain pattern training in June 2001. Prior to leaving the sheriff’s office in June 2013 to begin consulting and providing training, Anna was a member of the Major Case Response Team and the primary bloodstain pattern analyst at the sheriff’s office. She was often requested by other agencies in Florida to perform bloodstain pattern documentation and analysis under mutual aid. Anna also specializes in chemical enhancement of latent and blood patterns.

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