In-Person Training Courses and Workshops

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Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (40-hours)

Instructor(s): Heidi Sievers, PhD, CBPA, CCSA and Austin Sievers

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The basic bloodstain pattern analysis course is designed for beginner investigators or for those who have not yet had bloodstain pattern analysis training or exposure to bloodstained crime scenes. Students will learn how to correctly identify bloodstains both based on appearance as well as pattern mechanism. The course contains theory and principles of bloodstain pattern analysis as well as practical activities, mock scenes, and evidence. 

It is recommended that students have previously completed a basic crime scene processing workshop course or have experience in the field. Students will need to bring the following equipment, if possible: DSLR camera, tripod, macro lens, and external flash. Scales and manual calipers will be provided. Please bring a digital caliper if you wish. 

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Develop a working knowledge and understanding of the physical properties and characteristics of blood

• Utilize proper documentation and collection methods for bloodstains and bloodstain patterns.

• Employ proper mathematical principles for determining angle of impact, area of convergence, and area of origin.

• Understand and apply bloodstain pattern analysis findings to crime scenes and written reports 

 

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Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (40-hours)

Instructor(s): Heidi Sievers, PhD, CBPA, CCSA and Austin Sievers

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The advanced bloodstain pattern analysis training course is designed for experienced investigators who routinely investigate and are involved on bloodstained scenes. The course will enforce and focus on the fundamental principles of bloodstain pattern analysis, introduce advanced mathematical principles, examination of complex bloodstains, sequencing of stains, analyzing textiles and fabrics, report writing, and experimentation. Both lecture and practical, mock scenarios will be incorporated.

It is recommended that students have previously completed a basic bloodstain pattern analysis course or have experience in the field documenting bloodstain patterns. Students will need to bring the following equipment, if possible: DSLR camera, tripod, macro lens, and external flash. Scales and manual calipers will be provided. Please bring a digital caliper if you wish. 

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Reinforce principles of bloodstain pattern analysis on advanced scenario settings

• Develop and apply scientific methodologies to experimentation 

• Identify, classify, and provide analyses related to complex stain patterns

• Apply bloodstain pattern analysis methodologies to photograph review

 

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Bloodstained Clothing and Fabrics Course (40-hours)

Instructor(s): Heidi Sievers, PhD, CBPA, CCSA, and Austin Sievers

 

The bloodstained clothing and fabrics training course is designed for experienced investigators who routinely investigate and are involved on bloodstained scenes and/or who are tasked with the documentation, examination, and analysis of bloodstained clothing. The course will enforce and focus on the fundamental principles of bloodstain pattern analysis, introduce the examination of complex bloodstains, analyzing various textiles and fabrics, documentation and photography of bloodstained clothing, report writing, and experimentation. Both lecture and practical, mock scenarios will be incorporated. Students will be tested on their ability to identify, interpret, and analyze bloodstains on various fabrics and textiles in a final assessment. 

It is recommended that students have previously completed a basic bloodstain pattern analysis course or have experience in the field documenting bloodstain patterns. Students will need to bring the following equipment, if possible: DSLR camera, tripod, macro lens, and external flash. Scales and manual calipers will be provided. Please bring a digital caliper if you wish. 

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Reinforce principles of bloodstain pattern analysis on advanced scenario settings

• Develop and apply scientific methodologies to experimentation 

• Identify, classify, and provide analyses related to complex stain patterns on complex surfaces, various textiles and fabrics

• Apply bloodstain pattern analysis methodologies to photograph review

 

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Shooting Incident Reconstruction and Documentation Workshop (40-hours)

Instructor(s): Holly Kane, MSFS, CCSA, CFE

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This course is designed for forensic investigators, detectives, or deputies who have not had extensive training or experience related to shooting incident reconstruction. The course is formatted in a workshop-style focusing on documentation, scene analysis, and reconstruction methodology. The workshop serves as an introduction to a formal 40-hour shooting reconstruction course and provides working knowledge for on-the-job shooting incident investigations.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Conceptualize and apply shooting reconstruction methodology and concepts

• Identify components of firearms and ammunition

• Utilize proper documentation and reconstruction tools for on-scene examination

• Apply mathematical principles and formulas to assist in reconstruction efforts

• Identify variables that affect bullet trajectories

 

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Basic and Advanced Photography Workshop (40-hours)

Instructor(s): Holly Kane, MSFS, CCSA, CFE

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The basic and advanced photography course is designed for crime scene investigators, death investigators, detectives, forensic technicians, and deputies who are responsible for documenting crime scenes or evidence through photography. Students will learn basic camera functions, the exposure triangle, composition of photographs, and the various types of photographs taken on crime scenes. The course will cover the use of filters, evidence photography, basic flash functions, and courtroom testimony.  
 

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Bloodstain Pattern Detection and Enhancement (24-hours)

Instructor(s): Heidi Sievers, PhD, CBPA, CCSA, and Austin Sievers

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This course focuses on the detection and enhancement of latent bloodstains, including documentation and preservation methods. Students will be exposed to various chemical presumptive tests, and enhancement and detection chemicals. Students will also be tasked with photographing their results. 

It is recommended that students have previously completed a basic crime scene processing workshop course or have experience in the field. Students will need to bring the following equipment, if possible: DSLR camera, tripod, macro lens, and external flash. 

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand and apply proper bloodstain detection and enhancement methods to bloodstains and bloodstained evidence

• Employ the principles of sequential processing techniques to best document and preserve bloodstained evidence

• Apply presumptive blood testing methods

 

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Bloodstain Documentation and Chemical Processing Workshop (24-hours)

Instructor(s): Heidi Sievers, PhD, CBPA, CCSA, and Austin Sievers

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This course focuses on the detection and enhancement of latent bloodstains, including documentation and preservation methods. Students will be exposed to various chemical presumptive tests, and enhancement and detection chemicals. Students will also be tasked with photographing their results. This course is designed for any investigator who seeks to improve and enhance their abilities in properly documenting bloodstained scenes and/or evidence. The course will focus on incorporating proper bloodstain terminology, pattern identification, and various documentation methods, including photography, note taking, and report writing, that will ensure the patterns can be analyzed at a later time. 

It is recommended that students have previously completed a basic crime scene processing workshop course or have experience in the field. Students will need to bring the following equipment, if possible: DSLR camera, tripod, macro lens, and external flash. 

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand and apply proper bloodstain detection and enhancement methods to bloodstains and bloodstained evidence

• Employ the principles of sequential processing techniques to best document and preserve bloodstained evidence

• Apply presumptive blood testing methods

• Understand and apply proper bloodstain terminology when describing bloodstain patterns

• Classify bloodstain patterns through an understanding of bloodstain characteristics

• Employ proper documentation methods for bloodstains and bloodstained evidence

 

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Bloodstain Pattern Documentation Workshop (24-hours)

Instructor(s): Heidi Sievers, PhD, CBPA, CCSA, and Austin Sievers

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This course is designed for any investigator who seeks to improve and enhance their abilities in properly documenting bloodstained scenes and/or evidence. The course will focus on incorporating proper bloodstain terminology, pattern identification, and various documentation methods, including photography, note taking, and report writing, that will ensure the patterns can be analyzed at a later time. 

It is recommended that students have previously completed a basic crime scene processing workshop course or have experience in the field. Students will need to bring the following equipment, if possible: DSLR camera, tripod, macro lens, and external flash. 

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand and apply proper bloodstain terminology when describing bloodstain patterns

• Classify bloodstain patterns through an understanding of bloodstain characteristics

• Employ proper documentation methods for bloodstains and bloodstained evidence

 

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Chemical Fingerprint Processing Methods (24-hours)

Instructor(s): Cherie Johnson-Mulkey, CSCSA

 

This course focuses on the identification and development of sequential processing models for latent print processing. The course delves in to a multi-faceted approach to chemical processing on various textiles and surfaces. The course will also discuss proper documentation, packaging, and preservation of evidence and yielded results. 

 

Blood and Bones: From Scene to Morgue (16-hours)

Instructor(s): Heidi Sievers, PhD, CBPA, CCSA, Austin Sievers, and Meredith Tise, PhD

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This combination course of two specialized components of forensics is designed for both novice and advanced crime scene investigators, death investigators deputies, and detectives. The course will examine intertwine practical applications of both bloodstain pattern analysis and examination of human remains, wound analysis, and skeletal remains. The course will include both lecture and hands-on components. 

Students will need to bring their DSLR camera to practice proper documentation of both bloodstains and wounds and/or human remains throughout the hands-on exercises. 

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Develop a working knowledge and understanding of differences in bloodstain patterns relating to various forms of injuries and bloodletting events

• Identify various types of wounds, injury, or damage to human remains, including bone

• Understand the influential factor of variables such as distance, surface area, blood volume, and force on the formation of various bloodstain patterns

• Properly examine and document human remains, including skeletal remains, and bloodstain patterns

 

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Bloodstain Pattern Identification and Interpretation Workshop (8-hours)

Instructor(s): Heidi Sievers, PhD, CBPA, CCSA, and Austin Sievers

 

This course is designed for any investigator who seeks to receive introductory training on bloodstain pattern identification and interpretation. The course focuses on specific bloodstain pattern analysis terminology, variables that affect pattern formation, and pattern identification. Students will learn and practice describing bloodstains based on size, shape, distribution, appearance, and location. It is recommended that students have previously completed a basic crime scene processing workshop course or have experience in the field. Students will need to bring the following equipment, if possible: DSLR camera, tripod, macro lens, and external flash. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

• Understand and apply proper bloodstain terminology when describing bloodstain patterns 

• Classify bloodstain patterns through an understanding of bloodstain characteristics 

• Identify variables that affect pattern formation on various target surfaces 

• Apply various detection and enhancement methods to latent, diluted, or altered bloodstains 

 

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Interested in hosting a webinar for your agency? Check out some of our ready-to-offer topics, or contact us about developing a webinar to best fit the needs of your unit.

 

• Bloodstain Pattern Identification and Interpretation

• Bloodstain Pattern Documentation

• BPA Mathematics

• Variables Affecting Bloodstain Pattern Formation

• Courtroom Testimony (generalized and specific for BPA)

• Report Writing (generalized and specific for BPA)

• Intermediate Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

• Forensic Photography

• Fingerprint Processing

• Chemical Fingerprint Processing

• Trace Evidence Collection and Preservation

• Death Investigation

• Bloodstained Fabrics and Clothing

• CBPA Test-Prep Course

• CCSI, CCSA, CSCSA Test-Prep Course

• Bias in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

• Bloodstain Chemical Enhancement and Detection

• Private Investigation

• Crime Scene Documentation and 3D Mapping​

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To immediately get on our calendar to discuss hosting a training, click below, or send us an email at sieversforensics@gmail.com.