| According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice statistics in 1976, law enforcement investigators solved 79% of all reported homicides, whereas in 2005, only 62% of all reported homicides were solved. Between 2006 and 2007, the homicide rate in Florida increased by 6.5%. The problem addressed by this study was the possibility of negative impact from the increase in unsolved homicides on Florida's tourism, a major contributor to its economy. The rationale for this study was to examine the utility and benefits of the use of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) as a crime solving tool across different geographical locations and investigative departments; to research a relationship between the officer's age, education and experience as factors in the decision to use bloodstain pattern analysis, and to assess the benefits of BPA when applied to the reconstruction of violent crimes. This quantitative, non-experimental study was based on an electronic survey distributed to 750 participants (population) and answered by 98 participants (sample) from members of law enforcement agencies in Florida. Based on the t-test analyses, there were no statistical differences in the use of BPA and fingerprint technology, and the cases in which BPA was helpful, based on location. There was no significant statistical difference in the use of BPA between departments (ANOVA analysis). There was a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between the officer's age and the use of BPA. No relationship was detected between the officer's age, education, and the use of BPA. Based on the analyses, a low frequency of usage of BPA (2% metropolitan, 4% rural areas) and a high frequency where BPA was helpful (71% metropolitan, 63% rural areas) was present. Only 1% of Medico-legal death investigators, 1% of major crimes investigators, and 5% of forensic investigators applied BPA. The recommendations for the Florida lawmakers included financial assistance and grants to train and encourage the use of BPA. Colleges with criminal justice programs should offer courses in BPA. Recommendations for future research included the examination of the use of BPA in local, state and federal agencies, recordkeeping of court cases with BPA, and tracking the worldwide development and resulting advancements of BPA. |
