Bloodstain pattern analysis requires some special skills and expertise. To pursue a career in this field, one has to fulfill some educational and professional requirements, which are discussed in this article.
Did You Know?
Contrary to the popular belief, bloodstain pattern analysis is not a new discipline. In fact, it has been studied since the late 1890s.
Bloodstain pattern analysis is a specialty in the field of forensic science. A blood spatter analyst basically helps the law enforcement agencies, such as the police and the forensic department, in solving crimes, like assaults and homicide. He studies the bloodstains left behind at the crime scene to find out important details, such as the height of the criminal, position, and movement of the victim and assailants, and the type of weapon used in the crime. All these details can prove immensely helpful in nabbing the culprit.
Anyone willing to become a blood spatter analyst should have a strong background in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics. But, before going into the details of how to become a blood spatter analyst, let’s have a brief look at the duties and responsibilities associated with this profession, in this CareerStint article.
The main job of a blood spatter analyst is to examine the blood left behind at the crime scenes. Sometimes, there can be a large amount of blood at the crime scenes, while at other times, just a small trace of blood can be present. Different techniques and methods, such as ultraviolet light, photographs, and swabs are used to collect evidence, which are then investigated in the laboratory. Finally, detailed reports about the crime are created using computer simulations and analysis, on the basis of which the statements made by the witnesses and suspects are evaluated.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary or compensation for forensic science technicians, including blood spatter analysts was $55,040 in 2009. According to the Bureau, the annual salary of forensic science technicians in the lowest 10th percentile was $32,900, while the salary of those in the 90th percentile was $82,990. On an average, the salary for an entry-level position in bloodstain pattern analysis can be somewhere around $42,000 per annum.
To become a blood spatter analyst, one should have a keen eye for detail, great observational and analytical skills, and a high degree of curiosity. Bloodstain pattern analysis is a highly specialized field and is expected to grow immensely over the years. This field offers good earning potential. Apart from this, the field holds a special attraction for people, who are interested in criminal law enforcement, wherein it helps in investigation and gathering evidence from the scene of crime. For such people, it can be a rewarding career, where they can help the government authorities nab and punish the criminals and perpetrators.