Table of Contents - International Association of Bloodstain Pattern

Transcription

Table of Contents
2013 IABPA Officers
1
President’s Message
2
The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science
Society (ANZFSS) Symposium 2012 – A Discipline
Specific Session – Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Brett McCance
3
Recent BPA Articles in the Scientific Literature
20
Organizational Notices
20
2013 IABPA Training Conference, October 1-4
San Diego, California, USA
21
Training Opportunities
22
Editor’s Corner
26
Publication Committee/Associate Editors
27
Past Editors of the IABPA News/Journal of
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
27
Past Presidents of the IABPA
27
2013 IABPA Officers
PRESIDENT
Patrick Laturnus
pat.laturnus@rogers.com
Vice President - Region I
Pacific
Don Schuessler
Vice President - Region II
Mountain
Leah Innocci
dschuessle@msn.com
linnoc1@gmail.com
Vice President - Region III
Central
Rex T. Sparks
Vice President, Region IV
Eastern
Anthony Mangione
rtsparks@dmgov.org
amangione@hamiltonpd.org
Vice President - Region V
European
Peter Lamb
Vice President - Region VI
Pacific Rim
Brett McCance
lambies1@hotmail.co.uk
brett.mccance@police.wa.gov.au
Secretary / Treasurer
Norman Reeves
Sergeant at Arms
Jeffrey Scozzafava
norman@bloody1.com
scozzafava@co.somerset.nj.us
Immediate Past President
Todd A. Thorne
Historian
Stuart H. James
tthorne@kenosha.org
Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
jamesforen@aol.com
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President’s Message
This is a unique opportunity for me to send my best wishes for a great summer to all of you at the
same time. The first thing I realize is that it's June and all of those things that were planned and
should have been done, aren't quite finished. Now’s the time.
First off the annual training conference in San Diego. Carolyn Gannett and Lisa DiMeo have been
working hard and its taking shape. If you've even had a passing thought about contributing by way
of a presentation or workshop, now's the time. If you're planning to attend and haven't registered or
made travel plans, now's the time. As you might expect all of the work is being done by the San
Diego Ladies, but I've been given a ringside seat and from my vantage point I know that you won't
be disappointed.
I find myself looking back at previous Journals (including the IAPBA News) and really appreciate
the ability to do this; it's a unique feature that our website provides. As Bloodstain Analysts we refer
to technical and/or scientific articles on a regular basis. When it comes to a specific issue we'll
consult and share with colleagues. This brings to light that we often find excellent articles, written
by IAPBA members, that appear in other forensic journals. I'm here first of all to encourage you to
write and just as important, when you go to publish please do so in this Journal. The Journal of
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Our editor, Stuart James, works hard at making this the "go to" place
for BPA. Please support and encourage the editor as well as your colleagues. Now's the time.
At the moment we number about 768 registered members. It's a great number and as we continue
to grow we're more effective in the forensic community. As part of that community you contribute
by just belonging, reading and making yourself a better analyst and expert witness. Now's the time
to consider how you can step it up a notch by becoming more involved. Committee work is always
interesting and you'll be surprised at how much you have to offer. Please consider how things are
going in the IAPBA, how can we improve? This is a unique year, while our entire Executive Board
is up for election; we know that four of our present members will not be able to let their names stand
again. These are the VP's: Mountain, Central, European and Pacific Rim regions. Have a look
around, you or a colleague may be perfect for a committee or an executive position. Now's the time.
The agenda's for the Annual General Meeting as well as the Executive Board Meeting are coming
together. Please don't hesitate to contact your VP if there is any issue that you want us to consider.
We continue to grow in different ways. Keep us alive and viable through your participation.
Attending our Annual Training Conference in San Diego is no small feat. We appreciate what
goes into your own planning and how difficult today's budget challenges can be, so thanks for that.
Can't wait to see you there.
Pat Laturnus
President
IABPA
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The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) Symposium
2012
A Discipline Specific Session – Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Brett McCance
Western Australia Police, Perth, Western Australia
As previously mentioned in the December 2011 edition of the Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis,
the Australia and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) biennial symposium was held from
September 23 to September 27 2012 in the picturesque island State of Tasmania which is located at the
southernmost point of Australia. The theme of the symposium was, “From Convicts to Criminalists:
Past, Present and Future”.
The ANZFSS symposium is the largest forensic symposium in the southern hemisphere and in 2012
attracted 780 delegates from 34 countries, including Russia, Iran and Botswana. Seven different
concurrent sessions ran simultaneously over the four days of the symposium delivering 280 oral
presentations, over 200 poster presentations, 13 workshops and numerous forensic trade exhibitors.
The disciplines showcased at the symposium were: anthropology, archaeology and odontology, biology,
biometrics, bloodstain pattern analysis, chemical criminalistics, crime scene investigation, documents,
education and training, electronic evidence, fingerprint, firearms and toolmarks, fires and explosions,
illicit drugs and clandestine laboratories, quality assurance, pathology and clinical medicine, toxicology
and pharmacology and wildlife, entomology and botany.
For the first time at an ANZFSS symposium, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis broke away from the Crime
Scene Investigation discipline and cast its own shadow with a mix of research topics on BPA,
culminating with one plenary presentation, twelve oral presentations, three poster presentations and one
workshop. The oral presentations were well attended with approximately 60 people in the audience,
given they were competing with other disciplines such as biology and science and justice.
Apart from the BPA sessions, there were also many other relevant presentations in other disciplines
which also branched into the field of BPA such as: biology (DNA recovery), fingerprints (in blood),
science and justice (expert evidence), quality and assurance (programs) and education and training
(programs).
With the success of the BPA discipline sessions in Hobart, it is envisioned that theses discipline
specific sessions will be a permanent feature embedded in future ANZFSS symposiums. With this
commitment, the ANZFSS will be able to act as a conduit for a Region VI ‘proxy’ BPA conference.
Whilst those with an interest in BPA from Region VI are encouraged to attend the annual IABPA
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Training Conference held in the United States, it is hoped that the ANZFSS Symposium will act like the
IABPA European Conference for those who are unable to travel to the annual conference and want to
strengthen the discipline within Region VI.
It was also exciting for my co-chair, Liz Williams and I to judge the best oral presentation and
poster presentation for the BPA discipline. Whilst the judging was difficult, the best oral
presentation went to Martin Eversdijk from The Netherlands for: Water – A New Blood
Enhancement Technique; and the best poster presentation went to Ted Silenieks from South
Australia for: The Effect of Synthetic Fabrics on Bloodstain Appearance.
There was also an extensive social and networking calendar presented by the Gerard Dutton and
the Hobart organising committee. The social events included welcome drinks, a reception at
Government House with his Excellency, the Governor of Tasmania, masquerade ball at the Museum
of Old and New Art (MONA), a night with hypnotist Zeiken Black and the ANZFSS ball.
I would like to thank Todd A. Thorne, Norm Reeves and the 2012 Executive Board of the IABPA
for their moral and financial support of this initiate in Region VI. This support assisted Martin
Eversdijk to travel from The Netherlands and present as a keynote speaker; and Ted Silenieks from
South Australia to deliver a BPA related workshop.
Finally I would also like to thank my co-chair, Liz Williams from across the trench in New
Zealand. Liz, your time and effort in relation to the organisation of presenters, reviewing abstracts,
presenting your own oral presentations and assisting with judging the BPA session was greatly
appreciated. Thank you! In 2014, from August 31 to September 4, the ANZFSS symposium will be
held in beautiful Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. Adelaide is the 5th largest city in
Australia and known as Australia’s wine capital where the city rises from the middle of a treecovered plain, between rolling hills to the east and beaches to the west. The symposium will be
hosted in the Adelaide Convention Centre, situated on the vibrant riverbank precinct.
The BPA discipline sessions are already entrenched into the 2014 ANZFSS program with Ted
Silenieks on the symposium organising committee. Ted is planning another strong BPA program,
with oral presentations, posters and workshops on the agenda, which will further strengthen the
discipline within Region VI of the IABPA. You are invited “down under” to attend this world class
Symposium. The theme is Detect Decipher Deliver – The Future of Evidence and calls for abstracts
will open later this year, so keep an eye on the Adelaide TWENTY14 Symposium website.
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For any information in relation to the 2012 ANZFSS symposium in Hobart, please contact:
Brett McCance
Sergeant - Forensic Field Operations
Forensic Division, Western Australia Police
brett.mccance@police.wa.gov.au
Liz Williams
PhD Candidate – Dept. Sport and Exercise Science
University of Auckland, Christchurch Science Centre
elisabeth.williams@auckland.ac.nz
For any information in relation to the Adelaide TWENTY14 ANZFSS symposium, please contact:
Ted Silenieks
Coordinator – Evidence Recovery, Biology
Forensic Science South Australia
Ted.Silenieks@sa.gov.au
Alternatively, you can go to the ANZFSS 2014 website and make sure you take the time to watch
the great promotional video at:
www.anzfss2014.com.au
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Exhibitors
Mona – Masquerade Party – Martin Eversdijk
Oral Presentations
Poster Presentations
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Mona – Masquerade Party
Hypnotist – Zeiken Black
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ANZFSS Ball – Dance Floor
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Workshops:
Assessing Bloodstains on Fabrics
Edmund (Ted) Silenieks, Evidence Recovery Coordinator, Forensic Science SA
Andrew Donnelly, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Science SA
This workshop caters for those who examine fabrics, particularly clothing for the presence
of bloodstains and may be required to understand how those bloodstains were formed. The
workshop will comprise of lectures and practicals aimed at providing an overview of the
effect of textile construction, fibre type and other influences on the formation and
interpretation of bloodstains on fabrics, and in particular synthetic fabrics. Lectures and
practicals will include the use of microscopy as a tool to help distinguish between spatter and
transfer bloodstains.
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Oral Presentations:
Plenary Speaker
The “Science” of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Joe Slemko
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
The presentation will discuss the development of the scientific foundation of bloodstain
pattern analysis from the past to the present and the future directions of this discipline of
forensic science. In the past, a bloodstain pattern analyst’s ‘expert’ opinion was primarily
based upon the knowledge gained from experience, observation and basic experimentation.
Bloodstain pattern analysts of the present are now expected to have a solid foundation in
the scientific methodology and the underlying sciences of BPA. The use of software
programs and high speed video photography has also provided knowledge and understanding
of the complexities of droplet formation and the fluid dynamics and mechanics involved. In
addition, depending on the geographical location, analysts may also be required to possess a
level of recognized certification to provide opinion evidence.
Like many other branches of forensic science, BPA has recently come under intense
scrutiny as to its accuracy and reliability. The presentation will therefore pose the question,
“In spite of the rigorous development of the science, the standards and the certification
programs required to be a ‘qualified’ expert in BPA, is there still the potential for error and
bias in the opinion evidence?”
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Keynote Speakers:
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in Australasia –The Journey: 1964 –Present
M.A. Raymond
Forensic Services Group, New South Wales Police Force, Parramatta, New South Wales
The first time BPA played a significant part in a prosecution brief was in 1964 in R-vMcLeod-Lindsay which ultimately led to his conviction followed by two Commissions of
Inquiry. This ‘area of interest’ has matured into a well-accepted discipline and profession
underpinned by:
i)Strong training regimes;
ii)Well documented competency requirements;
iii)An ever-increasing research base assisted by contemporary technology;
iv)Landmark cases, prosecutions, judgements, rulings, appeals and commissions of inquiry;
v)Australasian peer-reviewed policy;
vi)Leadership shown by a cadre of individuals which has led to SMANZFL/NIFS support
and leadership in the tangible form of a BPA Scientific Working Group (SWG); and
vii)International status, recognition and networking.
This Keynote will chart the journey that BPA has taken in this Region from an ‘Area of
Interest’ to the contemporary body of knowledge integral to supporting investigations of
crimes of violence where crime scene reconstruction and stain sampling for identification
purposes is paramount.
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Water – A New Blood Enhancement Technique
Martin Eversdijk
Inspector – Forensic Expert, Amsterdam Police, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
75 years ago luminol was introduced to the forensic field as a blood search technique. Since its
introduction much investigation has been done to enhance the solution in order to get a longer and
more intense / brighter luminescence reaction with blood. Besides the importance of the pH-level of
the solution, most of these investigations came to the conclusion that adding more chemicals and/or
solution enhances the brightness and duration of the reaction. However, this process also potentially
damages the DNA and bloodstain pattern itself. Up till now, hardly any investigation has been done
into the enhancement of the catalyst in this reaction process: the blood (haemoglobin) itself.
This presentation describes Martin’s research: the effect of adjustment of the relative humidity on
the emission of the luminol-blood reaction. In this research the emission spectra of 800 samples of 5
“fresh” and “aged” blood dilutions from 1:500 up to 1:50.000 were recorded with and without the
adjustment of the relative humidity. A method that could be important for consideration during
future luminol or Lumiscene investigations.
Besides this, he also describes the importance of the method of application of blood search
techniques in relation to the development of fingerprints after this application.
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The Bloodstain Pattern Analyst – Looking After Ourselves
Joe Slemko
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
A bloodstain pattern analyst finds the data that forms the foundation of their scientific opinion
within the results of violent and traumatic interactions between human beings.
BPA is conducted in a ‘human environment’ and not within the clinical, sterile environment of a
laboratory. As a result, the human aspects of a violent occurrence may directly or indirectly, have a
profound effect on an analyst.
During this presentation the speaker will discuss some of his personal experiences, observations
and research regarding an issue that is all too often, ‘hidden in the closet.’
Session Speakers:
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and the Surrogate Pig, Part 1: Close Enough or Just the
Next Best Thing?
Elisabeth Williams1,2, Michael Taylor1, Ken Morison3, Eric Neumann4, Sharon Walt2
1
Forensic Science Service Centre, Environmental Science and Research Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
2
Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
3
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
4
EpiCentre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal, and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North,
New Zealand
Swine blood is widely used as a substitute for human blood in bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA)
research and crime scene reconstruction, despite the most widely cited validation study on the topic
being sixteen years old and based on a small sample of ten pigs of a single breed. The three physical
properties governing blood behaviour external to the body are viscosity, density and surface tension,
and the limited literature published on pig blood physical properties has revealed a wide range of
viscosity values, which differ with pig breed, age, the anticoagulant used, and the collection and
testing equipment. However, little published data regarding pig blood density or surface tension is
available.
Serum harvested from samples of whole pig blood is frequently used in veterinary practice for
disease antibody quantification and virus detection. Whole pig blood however is seldom collected
for haematological analysis (complete blood count and differential white blood cell count) as the
collection of high-quality samples can sometimes be difficult and literature validating normal
haematology values is sparse. In order to better understand the haemorheological differences
between pigs and humans which could account for any differences observed in the physical
properties, complete blood count tests were performed on the blood from 46, 16 week old male pigs
which were a New Zealand Pork standard four-breed cross of Large White, Duroc, Landrace and
Hampshire. Results showed haematocrit values similar to human adult normalitive data, with
significantly smaller red blood cell volume and higher red blood cell count. White blood cell count
was four times higher in pigs than in humans, and serum protein and viscosity levels were
comparable with published human values. Based on this data, existing blood viscosity models can be
adapted for pig blood, and a protocol to normalise viscosity devised. This protocol could be applied
to all pig blood used in BPA research, so for each experiment the viscosity value falls within a
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narrow range of normal human values. This would serve to eliminate the variability in experimental
results attributable to a large variation in blood properties for different pigs.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and the Surrogate Pig, Part 2:
Elisabeth Williams1,2, Michael Taylor1, Ken Morison3, Eric Neumann4, Sharon Walt2
1
Forensic Science Service Centre, Environmental Science and Research Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
3
4
EpiCentre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal, and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North,
New Zealand
2
Anti-coagulated pig blood is the most common substitute for human blood in bloodstains pattern
analysis (BPA) research in New Zealand, based on its reported comparable physical and
haematological characteristics. Different anticoagulant compounds have been found to have
significantly different effects on the blood physical properties. Studies have also found the same
anticoagulant to have different effects on the blood of different species. As the anticoagulant alters
the physical properties of the blood it is ideal to dilute pig blood with a compound which brings the
physical properties closer to those of human blood. The effect of different anticoagulant compounds
on the physical properties of pig blood has not been investigated, so this study compared the effects
of three common anticoagulant compounds on ten parameters important to BPA experimentation.
Jugular venipuncture samples were collected from 46 live, healthy, male 16 week old four-breed
cross (Landrace, Large White, Duroc and Hampshire) pigs in Vacutainers® containing Acid Citrate
Dextrose (ACD), Lithium Heparin and EDTA anticoagulants, with serum tubes also collected. For
each sample, whole blood viscosity, density, surface tension, serum protein concentration, serum
viscosity, red and white blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin and degree of haemolysis were
measured and compared, with ACD being the preferable compound for most parameters.
Blood Droplet Size in Passive Dripping
Natalia Kabaliuk 1, Theresa Stotesbury 2, Elisabeth Williams 2, Ken Morison 3, Michael Taylor 2, Mark Jermy1
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
2
Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
3
Passive dripping, the dripping of slow-moving blood under gravity, is responsible for some blood
stains found at crime scenes, particularly drip trails formed by a moving participant. Previous work
by other authors has established relationships under ideal conditions between the size of the stain,
the number of spines and satellite stains, the roughness of the surface, and the size of the blood
droplet and the height from which it falls. To apply these to determine the height of fall requires
independent knowledge of the size of the droplet. This work aims to measure the size of droplets
falling from objects representative of limbs and hand weapons. Pig blood was used with density,
surface tension and viscosity controlled to fall within the normal range for human blood. Distilled
water was also tested as a reference.
Drips were formed from stainless steel objects with different roughness including cylinders of
diameter between 10 and 100 mm and flat plates. Small radius objects including a knife and a
wrench were also tested. High speed images of the falling drops were captured. The measured drop
size is correlated to the size and roughness of the objects. The primary drop size increases with the
objects size. Drops formed on the textured surfaces tend to be larger compared to those formed on
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comparatively smooth surfaces. The number of satellite (accompanying) droplets increases with the
object size, but no significant correlation to the surface texture is observed. Dripping of blood
produces slightly smaller drops, with higher number of accompanying droplets compared to dripping
water.
An Advanced Training Course for the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis of Bloodstains on
Fabrics
Edmund Silenieks1, Mark Reynolds2
1
2
Forensic Science South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
Western Australia Police, Forensic Divisional Office, Midland, Western Australia
The interpretation of bloodstains and bloodstain patterns found on clothing can provide
important information that can be used to confirm or refute a person’s account on how blood
was deposited on their clothing. The advanced fabrics BPA course provides training in the
interpretation of bloodstain patterns on clothing. This course is designed for practitioners
who routinely examine bloodstained clothing or other textiles and are required to report on
bloodstain patterns as part of those examinations. The course syllabus is aimed at developing
advanced knowledge encompassing the examination and interpretation of bloodstain patterns
on clothing. A minimum 80 hours of structured learning activities is required, inclusive of a
40 hour “face to face” workshop component involving lectures, practicals, a moot court and a
written assessment. The course includes twenty hours of preparatory work encompassing
selected readings, a pre-course written assignment and preparing a mock court report
covering a BPA interpretation of bloodstained clothing. Participants are required to undergo
a clothing practical exam, the results of which are submitted post course as a written court
report. This course has been successfully delivered by the authors in Australia and the United
States of America.
The Visualisation of Bloodstains on Dark Coloured Substrates: An Evaluation of
Detection and Enhancement Methods for Utilisation during Laboratory Examinations
Fiona Knott1
1
Australian Federal Police, Australian Capital Territory
Bloodstains provide highly probative evidence and through DNA analysis can identify
individuals. Furthermore, bloodstains can provide important associative evidence regarding
the events that led to their deposition via the reconstructive tool of bloodstain pattern
analysis.
Latent blood staining present on items collected from the crime scene or parties involved
can easily be missed by the examiner, particularly when the blood staining occurs on dark
substrates. For the bloodstain pattern analyst, visualising the pattern of staining is essential,
thus the employment of visual, photographic or chemical techniques to locate and enhance
bloodstains and/or patterns is pertinent to a thorough examination.
This study evaluates the following detection and enhancement techniques specifically for
their effectiveness in visualising bloodstains on dark coloured substrates commonly
encountered during laboratory examinations; Infrared Photography; Luminol, Hemascein™;
Lumiscene; Acid Yellow 7 and Titanium Dioxide. These techniques have been assessed
according to their application to exhibit examination within the laboratory, effectiveness on
various surface types and potential effects on both bloodstain pattern recognition and
subsequent DNA analysis.
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This study identifies suitable methods of detection and enhancement for bloodstains on dark
substrates, resulting in the implementation of selected techniques into the Australian Federal
Police Biology Laboratory and the development of a guide for utilisation.
Live Imaging of Bloodstains on Dark Fabric Using Near-Infrared and a Modified SLR
Digital Camera
Josie Nunn1, Kareana Turner2, Russell Cook2, Edmund Silenieks2
1
Flinders University, South Australia, Bedford Park, South Australia
2
Live near-infrared screening offers an alternative, non-destructive means to visualise bloodstains
and bloodstain patterns by improving the contrast between certain dark coloured fabrics and the
bloodstain deposited on those fabrics (blood absorbs IR and appears darker compared to more IR
reflective fabric substrates).
In this study the infrared blockers were removed from a Nikon D5000 digital SLR camera,
enabling the camera to record reflected IR. By utilising the live view mode, the camera was
converted to a versatile searching tool, enabling previously unseen bloodstains and bloodstain
patterns to be located. The camera was also used to record still images of the staining and movies of
the examination process.
This study also used hyperspectral imaging to assess the varying contrast between bloodstains and
different dark coloured fabric types at defined visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The sensitivity,
reliability and the suitability of different light sources for near-infrared detection was assessed.
Outcomes from a Court Challenge for BPA in South Australia
Edmund Silenieks1, Andrew Donnelly1, Mark Reynolds2
1
2
In October 2010, as part of a murder trial, the BPA interpretations and qualifications of two
bloodstain pattern analysts called by the Prosecution were challenged. Both the suspect and the
victim had been drinking heavily, and following an argument, the suspect allegedly struck the
victim’s head several times with an iron bar. It is alleged the suspect left the victim severely injured,
then returned some time later and again struck the victim’s head several times. The deceased victim
was found lying on a mattress situated on the floor in a bedroom of his home, with heavy blood
staining located in the area surrounding his head. Other staining, assumed to be from cerebrospinal
fluid, was also observed.
Defence Counsel objected to the bloodstain evidence provided by the two analysts. These
objections related to the evidentiary significance of, and the analysts’ expertise in relation to, blood
clots, the number of blows used to strike the victim and the identification of cerebrospinal fluid
stains. The outcomes of this trial are discussed in relation to areas of expertise and training levels
recommended by the Australian BPASWG.
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Wet Inhibition, Dry Success: Hemastix® Inhibition of Affinity Based DNA Extraction
from Bloodstains
Sharla Hall1, Edmund Silenieks1, Alice Stephenson1, Chris Hefford1
1
The Hemastix® test is commonly used by forensic examiners for presumptively identifying
bloodstains. Test protocols vary between different jurisdictions with the Hemastix® test pad either
moistened before application to a suspected bloodstain, or applied dry and then moistened. Transfer
of chemicals from a wet Hemastix® test strip usually results in the bloodstain turning green in
colour, whereas no effect is seen using dry strips.
Recently the inhibition effect of wet Hemastix® testing on affinity based DNA extraction of
bloodstains has been reported. Affinity based DNA extraction methods are used due to their
amenability to high throughput robotic processing. To avoid any potential inhibition caused by the
transfer of chemicals to the bloodstain, a piece of filter paper can be rubbed against the stain and
then the filter paper tested, thus avoiding direct contact with a wet Hemastix® test strip. Potentially,
this may result in reduced Hemastix® test sensitivity.
Results of testing at Forensic Science SA have confirmed the inhibitory effect on DNA profiling
when using wet Hemastix® testing on bloodstains, but found no significant inhibition effect when
using dry Hemastix® tests. The sensitivity of wet and dry Hemastix® protocols has been determined
and forensic implications discussed.
Current Status of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA)
and the Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (SWGSTAIN)
Brett McCance1, Todd A. Thorne2 and Dr David Baldwin3
1
Forensic Field Operations, Forensic Division, Western Australia Police, Perth, Western Australia
IABPA President, City of Kenosha, Wisconsin Police Department - Forensic Unit, Kenosha, Wisconsin,
United States of America
3
SWGSTAIN Chair, Director of the Midwest Forensics Resource Centre, Ames Laboratory, Ames, Iowa,
United States of America
2
This paper discusses the roles, current status and documents being produced by the two main
international organisations specific to bloodstain pattern analysis; the International Association of
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Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA) and the US Department of Justice’s Scientific Working Group
on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (SWGSTAIN).
The IABPA is the largest association of forensic specialists in the field of bloodstain pattern
analysis with over 800 members. With VI Regions, Region VI is the newest and one of the fastest
developing within the association, encompassing Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the
Pacific Rim. The IABPA and the promotion of the discipline within Region VI will be discussed
along with the current work of the association sub-committees.
SWGTAIN currently comprises of 30 members from a blend of countries with varying
backgrounds to discuss, develop and evaluate methods, techniques, protocols, quality assurance and
education and research in order to build ‘best practice’ guidelines for bloodstain pattern analysis at
an international level. The role of each SWGSTAIN sub-committee and their guidance documents
will be examined, in particular the Quality and Assurance sub-committee, specific to quality
assurance programs, standard operating procedures, proficiency testing and report writing.
Poster Presentations:
The Effect of Synthetic Fabrics on Bloodstain Appearance
Edmund Silenieks1, Mark Reynolds2
1
2
When examining clothing and other fabrics, the bloodstain pattern analyst must be mindful of
target surface influences, particularly when bloodstains are deposited on synthetic fabrics. The fibre
composition, texture, absorbency, surface treatments and the orientation of clothing all can affect the
final physical appearance of resultant bloodstains. As clothing examination typically involves the
historical assessment of bloodstains, that is, the clothing is examined sometime after the stains were
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deposited, the examiner should have an appreciation of how the bloodstains may have altered
following blood deposition.
Results of testing have shown that synthetic fabrics, in particular 100% polyester, can dramatically
alter the physical appearance of a bloodstain. Bloodstains on synthetic fabrics resulting from
airborne blood can give the physical appearance of transfer stains, making the mechanism that
caused those bloodstains difficult to determine. This is in contrast to fabrics made from 100% cotton,
such as denim, where the characteristics associated with bloodstains such as spatter and transfer are
more easily recognised.
Using a Digital Camera and Computer Software to Detect and Quantify the Colour
Change of a Bloodstain
Neil S. Blaver1, Matthew S. Ward2
1
2
Forensic Field Operations, Forensic Division, Western Australia Police, Perth Western Australia.
Forensic Field Operations, Forensic Division, Western Australia Police, Perth Western Australia.
The change in colour of a bloodstain as it dries and ages is a phenomenon observed by Crime
Scene Examiners and holds the potential to assist in the determination of time since its deposition.
Bloodstains at crime scenes are extensively recorded with the use of digital cameras and in doing so,
capture significant quantities of digital data. This paper discusses whether a quality digital camera
(Nikon D300s) and computer software are able to effectively detect and quantify the colour changes
of a bloodstain as it ages by utilising the digital image meta-data.
Investigations into the Distance Air-Borne Blood Spatter Travels Following Impact
Andrew Donnelly1, Edmund SILENIEKS2
1
2
Forensic Science, South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
Forensic Science, South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
The presence of spatter stains on clothing can imply the wearer was close to a source of blood
being impacted, but how close? A sponge, 27cm off the ground, on a semi-rigid support, was soaked
with blood and struck several times with a golf club (1025mm long; 416g), cricket bat (790mm long;
829g) and hollow iron bar (510mm long; 602g). Most spatter fell within ~1.4m of the sponge. The
greatest distance a droplet travelled was 2.45m, resulting in a stain 2.5mm long by 1.5mm wide.
There was a low density of spatter beyond 1.4m from the sponge; a medium density between 0.7m
and 1.4m, and a high density within 0.7m. The smallest spatter stains were located within 0.7m of
the sponge.
Although the absence of spatter on clothing does not mean the wearer was not close to an
impact event, results from these preliminary experiments indicate the preponderance of many very
small spatter stains on a person’s clothing probably places them within 1.4m of the source of the
blood impacted, in the absence of wind. A summary of spatter distances quoted in the literature will
also be discussed.
The ANZFSS has a number of awards the from the forensic disciplines presented. I was
excited to be a part of the judging committee along with Liz Williams from the University of
Auckland.
19
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
Recent BPA Related Articles in the Scientific Literature
Kabaliuk, N., Jermy, M.C., Morison, K., Stotesbury, T., Taylor, M.C., and Williams, E., Blood Drop
Size in Passive Dripping from Weapons, Forensic Science International,Vol. 228, Issue 1, pp. 75-82,
May, 2013
Weisner, S., Izraeli, E., Shor, Y. and Domb, A., Lifting Bloody Footwear Impressions Using
Alginate Casts Followed by Chemical Enhancement,J. Forensic Sci., May 2013, Vol. 58, No. 3.
Adams, C.D., Experimental and Theoretical Studies of the Spreading of Bloodstains on Painted
Surfaces, Forensic Science International, Vol. 229, Issue 1, June 2013.
Finnis, J., Lewis, J., and Davidson, A., Comparison of Methods for Visualizing Blood on Dark Surfaces,
Science and Justice, 53, 2013, pp. 178-186
Organizational Notices
Moving Soon?
All changes of mailing address need to be supplied to our Secretary Norman Reeves. Each quarter
Norman forwards completed address labels for those who are members. Do not send change of
address information to the Journal Editor. E-mail your new address to Norman Reeves at:
norman@bloody1.com
Norman Reeves
I.A.B.P.A.
12139 E. Makohoh Trail
Tucson, Arizona 85749-8179
Fax: 520-760-5590
Membership Applications / Request for Promotion
Applications for membership as well as for promotion are available on the IABPA website:
IABPA Website: http://www.iabpa.org
The fees for application of membership and yearly dues are $40.00 US each. If you have not
received a dues invoice for 2013 please contact Norman Reeves. Apparently, non US credit
cards are charging a fee above and beyond the $ 40.00 membership/application fee.
Your credit card is charged only $40.00 US by the IABPA. Any additional fees are
imposed by the credit card companies.
IABPA now accepts the following credit cards:
Discover MasterCard
American Express Visa
20
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
2013 IABPA Training Conference, October 1-4, San Diego, California
USA
Preparations for the 2013 IABPA Training Conference are in full swing. Information can
be found on the Association’s website at www.IABPA.org, including links to a tentative
schedule, registration forms, the hotel, and local attractions.
The international base of the Association will be well represented, with presentations, so far,
heralding from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, and
attendees from as far away as Africa.
International Flair Fair: “Herold”-ing Our International Roots
New this year will be the International Flair Fair. Thanks to the brilliant epiphany of
member Lynne Herold (hence the pun), this year’s conference will include a door prize
exchange amongst participating attendees. Every participant who brings a door prize and is
present for the drawings is guaranteed to win a door prize from the international pool of
exchange gifts.
To participate in the International Flair Fair, simply bring something representative of your
corner of the world. Keep the price under $15 US. Fill out and include an entry form, found
through a link on the conference web page. Hand your unwrapped item and completed form
to Dr. Herold when you arrive at the conference and she will grant you a ticket guaranteed to
win an International Flair Fair door prize during identified drawing times.
When it comes time for your submission to be awarded, the audience will get to guess the
area of origin from your hints on the form, and we all can learn something about each other’s
part of the world, universe, region, or neighborhood.
Make sure your submission is travel- and airplane-friendly so it can readily be taken aboard
an international flight: it should fit into luggage and be airport-security friendly.
And remember, you can only win a door prize from the international pool of gifts if you
bring one, and everyone who brings one, can win one! WOO-HOO! What a deal! Don’t
worry if you can’t bring something. The usual door prizes will still be awarded at random.
21
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
Training Opportunities
September 9-13, 2013
Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course
Ontario Police College
10716 Hacienda Rd. Box 1190
Aylmer, Ontario, Canada
N5H 2T2
Instructor: Brian Allen
Tel: 519-773-4258
Fax: 519-773-5762
E-mail: Brian.Allen@ontario.ca
Basic Bloodstain Analysis Course
Loci Forensics B.V.
Flierveld 59
2151 LE Nieuw-Vennep
The Netherlands
Instructors: Martin Eversdijk and René Gelderman
Fax: +31(0)20-8907749
E-mail: Info@lociforensics.nl
(German)
Blutspureninstitut
Obergasse 20
61250 Usingen
Germany
Instructor: Dr. Silke Brodbeck, MD
Tel: +49-170-84 84 248
Fax: +49-6081-14879
22
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
September 23-27th, 2013
Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Workshop
Northeast Forensic Training Center
Center for Business and Industry
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Contact: Andy Kehm - Program Director
Tel: 484-201-1054
E-mail: akehm@northampton.edu
or
LeeAnn Singley
Grayson Singley Associates,LLC
Tel: 717-554-3739
E-mail: lsingleygsa@msn.com
October 7-11, 2013
Fluid Dynamics of Bloodstain Course
Loci Forensics B.V.
Flierveld 59
The Netherlands
Instructors: Dr. Michael Taylor and Dr. Mark Jermy
Fax: +31(0)20-8907749
October 14-18, 2013
(English)
Blutspureninstitut
Obergasse 20
61250 Usingen
Germany
Instructor: Dr. Silke Brodbeck, MD
Tel: +49-170-84 84 248
Fax: +49-6081-14879
23
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
November 18-22, 2013
Advanced Bloodstain Analysis Course
Loci Forensics B.V.
Flierveld 59
The Netherlands
Fax: +31(0)20-8907749
December 9-13, 2013
Visualization of Latent Bloodstain Course
Loci Forensics B.V.
Flierveld 59
The Netherlands
Fax: +31(0)20-8907749
December 9-13, 2013
Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Workshop
Specialized Training Unit
Miami-Dade Public Safety Training Institute
Doral, Florida
Contact: Toby L. Wolson, M.S., F-ABC
Miami-Dade Police Department
Forensic Services Bureau
9105 N.W. 25th Street
Doral, Florida 33172
Voice: 305-471-3041
Fax: 305-471-2052
E-mail: Twolson@mdpd.com
24
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
February 17-21, 2014
Math and Physics of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Workshop
Doral, Florida
Contact: Officer Rosa Holt
9106 NW 58th Street
Doral, Florida 33178
Tel: 305-715-5022
Fax: 305-715-5107
E-mail: rholtz@mdpd.com
Articles and training announcements for the September 2013 issue of the Journal of
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis must be received before September 15th, 2013
25
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
Editor’s Corner
The main feature of this June 2013 issue is a detailed description of the presentations with
abstracts and some of the activities at The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Society
(ANZFSS) Symposium 2012 provided by Brett McCance.
As Historian of our organization, I am in the process of sorting the photographs and
memorabilia that I have collected from past IABPA conferences including the four International
IABPA Conferences that I was privileged to attend. If any of the members have dated
conference photographs that they can provide to me, it would be most appreciated. Identification
of individuals in the photographs would be helpful. I would like to have them on display in some
fashion at the upcoming conferences.
I will be again hosting the “Bring Your Own Case” evening session at the conference in San
Diego, California. The presentations should be 10-15 minutes and in power point format. I will
have a travel drive for presenters to load their cases prior to the session that should expedite the
process.
I would again invite all speakers at the conference to submit their presentations to me as an
article for peer review and consideration for publication in our Journal.
Stuart H. James
Editor
jamesforen@aol.com
26
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
Publication Committee
Associate Editors
Barton P. Epstein
Carolyn Gannett
Paul E. Kish
Daniel Mabel
Jeremy Morris
Jon J. Nordby
Joe Slemko
T. Paulette Sutton
Todd A. Thorne
Past Editors of the IABPA News/Journal of Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis
Anita Y. Wonder
Norman Reeves
David Rimer
Toby L. Wolson
Paul E. Kish
Stuart H. James
1984-1985
1984-1989
1990-1996
1997-2000
2001-2003
2004-present
Past Presidents of the IABPA
V. Thomas Bevel
Charles Edel
Warren R. Darby
Rod D. Englert
Edward Podworny
Tom J. Griffin
Toby L. Wolson, M.S.
Daniel V. Christman
Phyllis T. Rollan
Daniel Rahn
Bill Basso
LeeAnn Singley
Iris Dalley
1983-1984
1985-1987
1988
1989-1990
1991-1992
1993-1994
1995-1996
1997-1998
1999-2000
2001-2002
2002-2006
2007-2008
2009-2010
The Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis published quarterly in March, June, September, and December. 
2013. The International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in
whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
27
Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013

Table of Contents - International Association of Bloodstain Pattern

Transcription

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