NCJ Number
168343
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 44 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 37-42
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This discussion of the increase in bombing incidents in the United States in recent years examines the nature of the incidents, the role of the Internet, and basic considerations for police agencies in developing an effective bomb squad.
Abstract
Data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms reveal that 23,947 bombing incidents occurred in the United States, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico from 1991 to 1995. These incidents ranged from actual bombings to hoaxes. Anecdotal evidence and case histories from bomb experts around the country cite the Oklahoma City bombing as the pivot point for an increased awareness of the problem and the need for training and public education. Experts say that the Internet has been the greatest single influence on explosive incidents in the past several years. It is expensive for a police agency to create its own bomb squad. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides free training. However, the agency must purchase every item on the FBI's equipment list or have a mutual-aid agreement with another agency. The equipment list includes protective gear, an x-ray system, a disrupter/de-armer, a demolition kit, and hand tools. The bomb dog is one of the more cost-effective and efficient tools. The best bomb technician is a police officer who is inquisitive and somewhat unconventional, yet is a team player. Experts expect an increasing number of incidents and encourage agencies with no bomb squad or trained personnel to train their officers in recognizing and evaluating a situation, isolating a device, and evacuating the surrounding area. Photographs and lists of sources of equipment and bomb dog training