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The Reliability of Swipe/Wipe Classification and Directionality Determination Methods in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Sita K Y Yuen1, Michael C Taylor2, Glynn Owens3
1School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|May 4, 2017
Summary
Evaluating bloodstain transfer patterns like swipes and wipes is unreliable, with a 32% error rate. Directionality interpretation, especially for cloth swipes, poses significant challenges for analysts, necessitating protocol revisions.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Background:
- Swipe and wipe patterns are common at crime scenes.
- Limited published data exists on the reliability of evaluating these bloodstain patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of bloodstain pattern analysts in identifying swipe and wipe patterns.
- To evaluate the accuracy of determining pattern type and directionality.
Main Methods:
- 36 bloodstain patterns were randomly assigned to 12 analysts.
- Analysts performed evaluations across three separate trials.
- Focus on pattern type and directionality assessment.
Main Results:
- An overall error rate of 32% in pattern type classification was observed.
- Wipes from wet bloodstains were difficult to identify.
- Directionality of cloth swipes was frequently misidentified (nearly 100% error rate).
Conclusions:
- Current protocols for interpreting swipe and wipe patterns require revision.
- Significant concerns exist regarding the accurate identification of common crime scene patterns.
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