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.
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.