Scientific Working Group - Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Encyclopedia
The Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (SWGSTAIN) was created in March 2002 at a meeting held by the FBI Laboratory
at the FBI Academy
in Quantico, VA
. It was decided that there was enough interest in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA)
to warrant the creation of the Scientific Working Group (SWG)
. According to the guidelines for organizing a SWG, the Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (SWGSTAIN) generated and ratified a set of bylaws in accordance to the Scientific Working Groups published in Forensic Science Communications (July 2002).
SWGSTAIN has nationally and internationally recognized bloodstain pattern analysts, several of whom are members of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA)
. The experts come from various areas including law enforecement, federal, state and local laboratories, the private sector, and academia. They also come from various countries including United States, Canada, England, and the Netherlands.
In 2004 the various sub-committees were discussing and drafting proposals in the following areas:
SWGSTAIN meets twice a year at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. They have an American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) representative.
FBI Laboratory
The FBI Laboratory is a division within the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation that provides forensic analysis support services to the FBI, as well as to state and local law enforcement agencies free of charge. The lab is currently located at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico,...
at the FBI Academy
FBI Academy
The FBI Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia, is the training site for new Special Agents of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was first opened for use in 1972 on 385 acres of woodland. It is a relatively small government academy, housing three dormitory buildings and...
in Quantico, VA
Quantico, Virginia
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there are 561 people, 295 households, and 107 families living in the town. The population density is . There are 359 housing units at an average density of .-Racial composition:...
. It was decided that there was enough interest in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA)
Bloodstain pattern analysis
Bloodstain pattern analysis is one of several specialties in the field of forensic science. The use of bloodstains as evidence is not new; however, the application of modern science has brought it to a higher level...
to warrant the creation of the Scientific Working Group (SWG)
Scientific Working Group
Since the early 1990s, the US FBI Laboratory has sponsored Scientific Working Groups to improve discipline practices and create mutual agreements between federal, state, and local forensic community partners...
. According to the guidelines for organizing a SWG, the Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (SWGSTAIN) generated and ratified a set of bylaws in accordance to the Scientific Working Groups published in Forensic Science Communications (July 2002).
SWGSTAIN has nationally and internationally recognized bloodstain pattern analysts, several of whom are members of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA)
International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts
The International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts was formed 18 November 1983 at the Hilton Hotel in Corning, NY under the guidance of Herbert MacDonell. The concept of an association came about as a result of a group of bloodstain analysts who recognised the need for a coordinated...
. The experts come from various areas including law enforecement, federal, state and local laboratories, the private sector, and academia. They also come from various countries including United States, Canada, England, and the Netherlands.
In 2004 the various sub-committees were discussing and drafting proposals in the following areas:
- Terminology
- Quality Assurance
- Legal
- Ethics
- Education and Training
SWGSTAIN meets twice a year at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. They have an American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) representative.
Mission statement
- To Promote and enhance the development of quality forensic bloodstain pattern (BSP) practices through the collaborative efforts of government forensic laboratories, law enforcement, private industry, and academia.
Objectives
- To discuss, share and compare stain pattern analysis methods, protocols, and research for the enhancement of forensic bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA)Bloodstain pattern analysisBloodstain pattern analysis is one of several specialties in the field of forensic science. The use of bloodstains as evidence is not new; however, the application of modern science has brought it to a higher level...
techniques, and - To design and encourage the implementation by practitioners of a quality assurance program in bloodstain pattern analysisBloodstain pattern analysisBloodstain pattern analysis is one of several specialties in the field of forensic science. The use of bloodstains as evidence is not new; however, the application of modern science has brought it to a higher level...
and to advise the forensic bloodstain pattern analysis community of emerging quality assurance issues, and - To discuss and share strategies for presenting bloodstain pattern information to meet Frye, DaubertDaubert StandardThe Daubert standard is a rule of evidence regarding the admissibility of expert witnesses' testimony during United States federal legal proceedings. Pursuant to this standard, a party may raise a Daubert motion, which is a special case of motion in limine raised before or during trial to exclude...
, or other jurisdictional admissibility challenges, and - To address the development and/or validation of forensic bloodstain pattern analysis methods, and
- To design and encourage the adoption of guidelines to ensure the quality of specialized training in the field of bloodstain pattern analysisBloodstain pattern analysisBloodstain pattern analysis is one of several specialties in the field of forensic science. The use of bloodstains as evidence is not new; however, the application of modern science has brought it to a higher level...
.
Executive board
The SWGSTAIN Executive Board consists of eight members:- Chair
- Vice-Chair (must be a non-FBI SWGSTAIN member, appointed by the Chair)
- Executive Secretary (appointed by the Chair, no voting privileges)
- Five Regular Members