The International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA) was formed as a professional organization on November 18, 1983 at the Hilton Hotel in Corning, NY under the guidance of Herbert MacDonell. A group of bloodstain analysts recognized the need for a coordinated effort to develop themselves and the emerging field of bloodstain pattern analysis. Of the 23 people present at the meeting moderated by Deborah J. Wakida, 22 became Charter Members. Only Douglas Ridolfi of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department declined to join. In the early 1980s Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) was beginning to make its way into the investigative toolbox of many North American forensic sections. As any new method of gathering and interpreting forensic evidence, there was some apprehension in many areas of the legal system. When the IABPA bylaws were formed, one of the main objectives of the association was identified as promoting the education of all involved with bloodstain pattern analysis. This was to be done through study, research, and experimentation. There was also an identified need for standardization in the areas of training, analysis, terminology, and reporting. The IABPA meets annually in October, moving the location between Regions I to IV (see below).

Membership

There are four levels of membership within the IABPA. (Members receive the IABPA Newsletter, published quarterly.)

Regions

Executive board

The Executive Board of the IABPA consists of annually elected full members. The positions on the Board include:

Charter members

The charter members (and their 1983 affiliation) of the IABPA were: