Bloodstain-pattern analysis has been accepted as reliable evidence by appellate courts in one state after another with little or no examination of its scientific accuracy.
Are there really blood spatter experts?
Bloodstain pattern analysts , also known as blood spatter experts, collect and analyze physical evidence—specifically, blood. They are specialists in forensic science and crime scene investigation and examine the location and shape of blood drops, stains, puddles, and pools.
Is blood spatter analysis junk science?
Some of the methods, including bite-mark comparisons and blood-spatter analysis, are now considered by many researchers to be scientifically dubious , responsible for dozens of wrongful convictions and deserving no place in the criminal justice system.
What kind of evidence is blood spatter?
-Blood spatter- Droplets and patterns can reveal key evidence such as the type of weapon that was used in the crime , the time of the crime, and other details. Blood spatter analysts can determine the general manner of the crime using the area of origin, the angle of impact, and satellite droplets.
What does a blood spatter expert do?
The general role of the Bloodstain Pattern Analyst in a criminal investigation is to assist in the reconstruction of those events of an alleged incident that could have created the stains and stain patterns present at a crime scene, on items of physical evidence recovered from that scene and on items of clothing that ...
How much do blood spatter experts make?
How much does a Blood Spatter Analyst in United States make? The highest salary for a Blood Spatter Analyst in United States is $107,463 per year . The lowest salary for a Blood Spatter Analyst in United States is $46,767 per year.
Is blood spatter analysis a real job?
Blood Spatter Analyst Jobs
Also known as bloodstain pattern analysts, you may be able to find an entry-level position working with blood as a forensic technician . In this position, you may collect more samples from crime scenes than just blood, but you will perform many of the same job functions.
What is cast off blood spatter?
Cast-Off Pattern — A bloodstain pattern created when blood is released or thrown from a blood-bearing object in motion . Directionality — The directionality of a bloodstain or pattern which indicates the direction the blood was traveling when it impacted the target surface.
Does Luminol only show blood?
The reaction is not specific to blood , however, as other oxidizing agents such as sodium hypoclorite (bleach), certain metals, and plant peroxidases may also cause luminescence with luminol.
What is the original drop of blood that casts or gives off a satellite called?
Parent Drop – A drop of blood from which a wave, cast-off or satellite spatter originates.
Can you tell how old dried blood is?
Raman spectroscopy and advanced statistics allow the researchers to date a blood stain accurately, provided said blood stain is less than two years old . Raman spectroscopy involves shining a laser on a sample and measuring the intensity of scattered light.
What can dried blood tell an expert?
Patterns of drying help analysts determine how long an assault went on, detect whether it took place all at once or in stages, and nail down possible crime scene contamination [source: Wonder].
Why can’t you conclude that the stain is really blood?
Too much blood can disguise spatter or make stain patterns unrecognizable . Conversely, too little blood, just one or two drops, will likely yield little or no useable information.
How long does it take to be a blood spatter analyst?
Blood spatter analysts, as all forensic science technicians need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology or forensic science. Getting your degree can take 3-4 years , depending on college and program. If you want to have better chances at getting a job in this field, you should also get your master’s degree.
What is the starting salary for a blood spatter analyst?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that forensic science technicians made an average of $61,220 in 2017 and earned a midpoint, or median salary of $57,850. A starting blood spatter analyst salary is around $42,000 a year .
How much does Dexter Morgan make?
Dexter Morgan, “Dexter” — Forensics expert
Real-life median salary: $47,680 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dexter (Michael C. Hall) only uses his job as a forensic blood spatter analyst as a cover for his night-time job — as a serial killer who kills bad guys.
