Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

FSA103 – 40.00 Hours

Currently there are no scheduled classes for this course. However, in some cases a course can be scheduled to meet your organization’s specific needs. For more information about this course or to schedule a class, please contact Law Enforcement and Protective Services at (800) 423-8433 or [email protected] to get the latest schedule.

Course Description

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis PictureThe science of bloodstain pattern analysis can assist investigators in making determinations, such as, relative positions of the victim or suspect, the nature of the force and weapon used, and the approximate number of blows struck during an assault. This course is designed for those who investigate crime scenes containing blood evidence, such as assaults and death investigation, as well as those who process bloodstained evidentiary items. Participants will learn the basic knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis, including methods and skills for the scientific interpretation of bloodstain evidence at crime scenes and on evidentiary items. Course instruction is through lecture and case review with emphasis on experiments and practical application.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course #40057.

Participant Testimonials:

  • “One of the best classes I’ve been to!! I was very impressed with the knowledge and teaching skills of the instructors. Great course.“
  • “The instructors took the time to make sure every student understood the material. Very impressed!“

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Enrollment Requirements

Participants enrolling in this course must meet one of the following employment statuses. Please ensure the affiliation on your student account reflects one of the following:

  • Licensed or certified peace officer with a current commission employed by or attached to a law enforcement/investigative agency
  • Civilian employed by a law enforcement/investigative agency conducting investigative tasks or duties
  • Nurse employed by a medical facility tasked with conducting forensic examinations

Participants will be contacted via email to confirm approval and admittance into the course.

Course Completion Requirements

Participant Must Provide

  • A photo identification on the first day of class. See the Participant Handbook for approved forms of identification and additional guidelines.
  • Laptop or tablet

Note: A phone is not considered a sufficient replacement for a laptop or tablet for this class.

Attendance Requirements

Class attendance is an essential part of the education process, and participants in TEEX courses are expected to attend all class sessions and field exercises. The course requires participants to attend a minimum of 100% of the class hours as a component of successful course completion. During the course, your instructor will review any additional attendance requirement, for example a field exercise that cannot be missed.

In some cases, make-up work will not be available (due to equipment/facility needs and/or safety/teamwork components or activity setup/facilitation/requirements).

Participants in a TCOLE credit eligible course must complete the class in its entirety to receive a TEEX Certificate of Completion and be reported for TCOLE credit.

If you have additional questions, please refer to the TEEX Participant Handbook.

Participant May Bring:

  • Camera for documentation of created exemplars
  • Calipers
  • Magnifier/loupe with scale
  • Scientific calculator
  • Clear plastic 12-inch ruler scaled in tenth and metric gradations
  • Mechanical pencil

Course Attire/PPE

  • Participants will be required to conduct field exercises throughout the week and should dress appropriately for both indoor and outdoor activities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Biological hazards in crime scenes
  • Bloodstain pattern analysis and courtroom testimony
  • Chemical processing of crime scenes
  • Determining area of convergence of bloodstains
  • Determining area of origin of bloodstains
  • Determining the angle of impact of bloodstains
  • Documenting crime scenes
  • History of bloodstain pattern analysis
  • Identification and analysis of bloodstain patterns
  • Measuring bloodstains
  • Utilizing bloodstain pattern analysis at crime scenes

Suggested Audience

  • Law enforcement and non-commissioned personnel assigned to investigative tasks and duties such as crime scene investigators, crime scene reconstructionists, detectives, medicolegal death investigators and patrol officers

Continuing Education And Professional Credits

Note: Live Online Instructor-Led (webinar) courses are not eligible for TCOLE credit.

  • 40.00 hours – International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA)
  • 40.00 hours – Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
  • 3.00 hours – American Council on Education (ACE)
  • International Association of Identification (IAI)

Other Information

Course Disclaimers

  • Participants will use bovine blood during class activities

International Association for Identification

You are responsible for contacting International Association for Identification (IAI) after successfully completing the TEEX course to submit the necessary documentation for your desired certification. IAI credit hours are currently available for the following credits:

  • Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Certification (issued 3/20/2024), Initial (40 hrs) or Recertification (40 hrs), and
  • Crime Scene Certification (issued 4/26/2024), Initial (40 hrs) or Recertification (40 hrs).

Contact Information

Law Enforcement and Protective Services
Phone: (979) 845-6677 | Toll-Free: (800) 423-8433
Email: [email protected]

Payment Info

  • Credit Card – Complete online registration or call (979) 845-6677
  • Purchase Order – Complete registration form and send to [email protected] or fax to (877) 289-9715
  • Check – Complete registration form and mail to: TEEX – LAW, P.O. Box 40006, College Station, TX 77842