Bloodstain Patterns Essay

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BLOODSTAIN PATTERNS Bloodstains have always played a major role as evidence for law enforcement officials as well as people in the forensic science field. Analyzing blood stain patterns can vary from the sometimes simple to the often times complex. The patterns and trails from blood left in a crime scene or castoff blood patterns for the most part are reasonably straightforward and easy to understand. When a trained specialist in the field has to determine the area or areas of union and cause, they employ various techniques such as laser, string methods, or complex trigonometric methods. These types of scientific analysis of bloodstain patterns require a lot of extensive training and experience, often going beyond the normal crime scene process. To add to this, there are several different terms and opinions by various “experts” in the field, which can sometimes confuse the typical investigator. Therefore, this report’s intent will attempt to show some simple and useful examples of bloodstain pattern identification and documentation as well as pictures and descriptions. When having to handle blood and other various biological fluids such as aids, hepatitis and hepatitis b, meningitis, and even tuberculosis, every crime scene investigator should always exercise universal precautions while working in crime scenes wearing approved disposable gloves. The use of disposable masks, protective eyewear and disposable infectious disease gowns should also be considered when dealing with large amounts of blood or other body fluids and every attempt should be made to follow procedures put in place when dealing with these potential hazards at a crime scene. When an investigator comes into a crime scene where some form of violence has taken place, blood will almost always be present. The
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