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 [email protected] Vice President - Region I Pacific Don Schuessler Vice President - Region II Mountain Leah Innocci [email protected] [email protected] Vice President - Region III Central Rex T. Sparks Vice President, Region IV Eastern Anthony Mangione [email protected] [email protected] Vice President - Region V European Peter Lamb Vice President - Region VI Pacific Rim Brett McCance [email protected] [email protected] Secretary / Treasurer Norman Reeves Sergeant at Arms Jeffrey Scozzafava [email protected] [email protected] Immediate Past President Todd A. Thorne Historian Stuart H. James [email protected] Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis [email protected] 1 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 2 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 3 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 4 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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 [email protected] Liz Williams PhD Candidate – Dept. Sport and Exercise Science University of Auckland, Christchurch Science Centre [email protected] For any information in relation to the Adelaide TWENTY14 ANZFSS symposium, please contact: Ted Silenieks Coordinator – Evidence Recovery, Biology Forensic Science South Australia [email protected] 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 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 5 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 Exhibitors Mona – Masquerade Party – Martin Eversdijk Oral Presentations Poster Presentations Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 6 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 Mona – Masquerade Party Hypnotist – Zeiken Black Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 7 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 ANZFSS Ball – Dance Floor Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 8 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 9 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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?” Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 10 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 11 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 12 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 13 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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 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 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 Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand 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 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 14 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 15 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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 Forensic Science South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 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 Forensic Science South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia Western Australia Police, Forensic Divisional Office, Midland, Western Australia 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 16 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 Wet Inhibition, Dry Success: Hemastix® Inhibition of Affinity Based DNA Extraction from Bloodstains Sharla Hall1, Edmund Silenieks1, Alice Stephenson1, Chris Hefford1 1 Forensic Science South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 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 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 17 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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 Forensic Science South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia Western Australia Police, Forensic Divisional Office, Midland, Western Australia 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 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 18 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 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: [email protected] 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 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 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: [email protected] September 9-13, 2013 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: [email protected] September 23-27, 2013 Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course (German) Blutspureninstitut Obergasse 20 61250 Usingen Germany Instructor: Dr. Silke Brodbeck, MD Tel: +49-170-84 84 248 Fax: +49-6081-14879 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 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: [email protected] or LeeAnn Singley Grayson Singley Associates,LLC Tel: 717-554-3739 E-mail: [email protected] October 7-11, 2013 Fluid Dynamics of Bloodstain Course Loci Forensics B.V. Flierveld 59 2151 LE Nieuw-Vennep The Netherlands Instructors: Dr. Michael Taylor and Dr. Mark Jermy Fax: +31(0)20-8907749 E-mail: [email protected] October 14-18, 2013 Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course (English) Blutspureninstitut Obergasse 20 61250 Usingen Germany Instructor: Dr. Silke Brodbeck, MD Tel: +49-170-84 84 248 Fax: +49-6081-14879 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 23 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 November 18-22, 2013 Advanced 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: [email protected] December 9-13, 2013 Visualization of Latent Bloodstain 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 24 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013 February 17-21, 2014 Math and Physics of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Workshop Specialized Training Unit Miami-Dade Public Safety Training Institute Doral, Florida Contact: Officer Rosa Holt Specialized Training Unit Miami-Dade Public Safety Training Institute 9106 NW 58th Street Doral, Florida 33178 Tel: 305-715-5022 Fax: 305-715-5107 E-mail: [email protected] Articles and training announcements for the September 2013 issue of the Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis must be received before September 15th, 2013 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 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 [email protected] Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 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. Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 27 Vol. 29 No. 2 June 2013
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