Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) is the study of the size, shape and distribution of bloodstains found at a crime scene. It is a crucial method which can serve to guide the direction of investigation, or validate statement of accounts gathered in the course of investigation.

Conventionally, BPA training requires the creation of mock crime scenes using synthetic liquids splashed onto flipchart papers to recreate bloodstains. Due to the fluid nature of the liquids, there were often inconsistences when creating the different types of bloodstains. Instructors typically need to spend a few hours to create a mock crime scene and the resulting time and manpower invested severely limit the number of training scenarios created and the amount of training that can be carried out.

In order to address these limitations, the team has leveraged on Mixed-Reality (MR) technology to develop a proof-of-concept training system. Through the use of a MR headset, holographic images are projected onto the trainee’s field-of-view to create a realistic virtual crime scene with different bloodstains that trainees could interact with, identify and interpret. This allows trainees to build their confidence and familiarise themselves with investigative procedures involving specialized tools such as DSLR cameras, protractors etc. These virtual crime scenes can also be easily created or modified with a library of pre-created layouts and furniture to provide variation in training and assessment.

This paper presents the results of a proof-of-concept trial conducted on the MR BPA training system which investigates the effectiveness and performance of MR technology in enhancing and improving BPA training for officers from the Singapore Police Force. The system is evaluated on four main factors: cybersickness, interactivity/usability, ability to meet training objective and overall system feedback.

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Siong Chun, Shawn Foo