U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

National Institute of Justice

A GUIDE for

Explosion
and

Bombing

SCENE INVESTIGATION

research report

U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs
810 Seventh Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20531

Janet Reno

Attorney General

Daniel Marcus

Acting Associate Attorney General

Mary Lou Leary

Acting Assistant Attorney General

Julie E. Samuels

Acting Director, National Institute of Justice

Office of Justice Programs	National Institute of Justice	
World Wide Web Site	World Wide Web Site	
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov	http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij	

About the National Institute of Justice

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), a component of the Office of Justice Programs, is the research agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. Created by the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended, NIJ is authorized to support research, evaluation, and demonstration programs, development of technology, and both national and international information dissemination. Specific mandates of the Act direct NIJ to:

• 	Sponsor special projects and research and development programs that will improve and strengthen the criminal justice system and reduce or prevent crime. 

• 	Conduct national demonstration projects that employ innovative or promising approaches for improving criminal justice. 

• 	Develop new technologies to fight crime and improve criminal justice. 

• 	Evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice programs and identify programs that promise to be successful if continued or repeated. 

• 	Recommend actions that can be taken by Federal, State, and local governments as well as by private organizations to improve criminal justice. 

• 	Carry out research on criminal behavior. 

• 	Develop new methods of crime prevention and reduction of crime and delinquency. 

In recent years, NIJ has greatly expanded its initiatives, the result of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (the Crime Act), partnerships with other Federal agencies and private foundations, advances in technology, and a new international focus. Examples of these new initiatives include:

• 	Exploring key issues in community policing, violence against women, violence within the family, sentencing reforms, and specialized courts such as drug courts. 

• 	Developing dual-use technologies to support national defense and local law enforcement needs. 

• 	Establishing four regional National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers and a Border Research and Technology Center. 

• 	Strengthening NIJ’s links with the international community through participation in the United Nations network of criminological institutes, the U.N. Criminal Justice Informa-tion Network, and the NIJ International Center. 

• 	Improving the online capability of NIJ’s criminal justice information clearinghouse. 

• 	Establishing the ADAM (Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring) program—formerly the Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) program—to increase the number of drug-testing sites and study drug-related crime. 

The Institute Director establishes the Institute’s objectives, guided by the priorities of the Office of Justice Programs, the Department of Justice, and the needs of the criminal justice field. The Institute actively solicits the views of criminal justice professionals and researchers in the continuing search for answers that inform public policymaking in crime and
justice.

To find out more about the National Institute of Justice, please contact:

National Criminal Justice Reference Service,
P.O. Box 6000
Rockville, MD 20849–6000
800–851–3420
e-mail: askncjrs@ncjrs.org

To obtain an electronic version of this document, access the NIJ Web site (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/181869.htm).

If you have questions, call or e-mail NCJRS.

A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation

Written and Approved by the

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation

June 2000

NCJ 181869

Julie E. Samuels

Acting Director

David G. Boyd, Ph.D.

Deputy Director

Richard M. Rau, Ph.D.

Project Monitor

Opinions or points of view expressed in this document represent a consensus of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The National Institute of Justice is a component of the Office of

Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Office of Juvenile Justice and

Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims of Crime.

Message From the Attorney General

The investigation conducted at the scene of an explosion or bombing plays a vital role in uncovering the truth about the incident. The

evidence recovered can be critical in identifying, charging, and ultimately convicting suspected criminals. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that the evidence be collected in a professional manner that will yield successful laboratory analyses. One way of ensuring that we, as investi-gators, obtain evidence of the highest quality and utility is to follow sound protocols in our investigations.

Recent cases in the criminal justice system have brought to light the need for heightened investigative practices at all crime scenes. In order to raise the standard of practice in explosion and bombing investigations of both small and large scale, in both rural and urban jurisdictions, the National Institute of Justice teamed with the National Center for Forensic Science at the University of Central Florida to initiate a national effort. Together they convened a technical working group of law enforcement and legal practitioners, bomb technicians and investigators, and forensic laboratory analysts to explore the development of improved procedures for the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence at explosion and bombing scenes.

This Guide was produced with the dedicated and enthusiastic participa-tion of the seasoned professionals who served on the Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation. These 32 individuals brought together knowledge and practical experience from Federal law enforce-ment agencies—as well as from large and small jurisdictions across the United States—with expertise from national organizations and abroad.

I applaud their efforts to work together over the course of 2 years in developing this consensus of recommended practices for public safety personnel.

iii

In developing its investigative procedures, every jurisdiction should give careful consideration to those recommended in this Guide and to its own unique local conditions and logistical circumstances. Although factors that vary among investigations may call for different approaches or even preclude the use of certain procedures described in the Guide, consider-ation of the Guide’s recommendations may be invaluable to a jurisdic-tion shaping its own protocols. As such, A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation is an important tool for refining investiga-tive practices dealing with these incidents, as we continue our search for truth.

Janet Reno

iv

Message From the President of the University of

Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is proud to take a leading role in the investigation of fire and explosion scenes

through the establishment of the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS). The work of the Center’s faculty, staff, and students, in coop-eration with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), has helped produce the NIJ Research Report A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation.

More than 150 graduates of UCF’s 25-year-old program in forensic science are now working in crime laboratories across the country. Our program enjoys an ongoing partnership with NIJ to increase knowledge and awareness of fire and explosion scene investigation. We anticipate that this type of mutually beneficial partnership between the university, the criminal justice system, and private industry will become even more prevalent in the future.

As the authors of this Guide indicate, the field of explosion and bombing investigation lacks nationally coordinated investigative protocols. NCFS recognizes the need for this coordination. The Center maintains and updates its training criteria and tools so that it may serve as a national resource for public safety personnel who may encounter an explosion
or bombing scene in the line of duty.

I encourage interested and concerned public safety personnel to use A

Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation. The procedures recommended in the Guide can help to ensure that more investigations are successfully concluded through the proper identification, collection, and examination of all relevant forensic evidence.

Dr. John C. Hitt

v

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation

The Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation (TWGBSI) is a multidisciplinary group of content area experts

from the United States, Canada, and Israel, each representing his or her respective agency or practice. Each of these individuals is experienced in the investigation of explosions, the analysis of evidence gathered, or the use in the criminal justice system of information produced by the investi-gation. They represent such entities as fire departments, law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, private companies, and government agencies.

At the outset of the TWGBSI effort, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) created the National Bombing Scene Planning Panel (NBSPP)—composed of distin-guished law enforcement officers, representatives of private industry, and researchers—to define needs, develop initial strategies, and steer the larger group. Additional members of TWGBSI were then selected from recom-mendations solicited from NBSPP; NIJ’s regional National Law Enforce-ment and Corrections Technology Centers; and national organizations and agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Direc-tors, and the National District Attorneys Association.

Collectively, over a 2-year period, the 32 members of TWGBSI listed below worked together to develop this handbook, A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation.

National Bombing Scene Planning Panel of TWGBSI

Joan K. Alexander	Roger E. Broadbent	John A. Conkling, Ph.D.	
Office of the Chief State’s	Virginia State Police	American Pyrotechnics	
Attorney	Fairfax, Virginia	Association	
Rocky Hill, Connecticut		Chestertown, Maryland	

vii

Sheldon Dickie	Roger N. Prescott	Carl Vasilko		
Royal Canadian Mounted	Austin Powder Company	Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco		
Police	Cleveland, Ohio	and Firearms		
Gloucester, Ontario, Canada	James C. Ronay	Washington, D.C.		
Ronald L. Kelly		Raymond S. Voorhees		
	Institute of Makers of			
Federal Bureau of	Explosives	U.S. Postal Inspection Service		
Investigation	Washington, D.C.	Dulles, Virginia		
Washington, D.C.	James T. Thurman			
Jimmie C. Oxley, Ph.D.				
	Eastern Kentucky University			
University of Rhode Island	Richmond, Kentucky			
Kingston, Rhode Island				

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation

Andrew A. Apollony	John E. Drugan	Patricia Dawn Sorenson		
Federal Bureau of	Massachusetts State Police	Naval Criminal Investigative		
Investigation	Sudbury, Massachusetts	Service		
Quantico, Virginia	Dirk Hedglin	San Diego, California		
Michael Boxler		Frank J. Tabert		
	Great Lakes Analytical, Inc.			
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco	St. Clair Shores, Michigan	International Association of		
and Firearms	Larry Henderson	Bomb Technicians and		
St. Paul, Minnesota		Investigators		
Steven G. Burmeister	Kentucky State Police	Franklin Square, New York		
	Lexington, Kentucky	Calvin K. Walbert		
Federal Bureau of	Thomas H. Jourdan, Ph.D.			
Investigation		Chemical Safety and Hazard		
Washington, D.C.	Federal Bureau of	Investigation Board		
Gregory A. Carl	Investigation	Washington, D.C.		
	Washington, D.C.	Leo W. West		
Federal Bureau of	Frank Malter			
Investigation		Federal Bureau of		
Washington, D.C.	Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco	Investigation		
Stuart W. Case	and Firearms	Washington, D.C.		
	Washington, D.C.	Carrie Whitcomb		
Forensic Consulting Services	Thomas J. Mohnal			
Pellston, Michigan		National Center for Forensic		
Lance Connors	Federal Bureau of	Science		
	Investigation	Orlando, Florida		
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s	Washington, D.C.	David M. Williams		
Office	David S. Shatzer			
Tampa, Florida		Lockheed Martin Energy		
James B. Crippin	Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco	Systems		
	and Firearms	Oak Ridge, Tennessee		
Colorado Bureau of	Washington, D.C.	Jehuda Yinon, Ph.D.		
Investigation				
Pueblo, Colorado		Weizmann Institute of Science		
		Rehovot, Israel		

viii

Acknowledgments

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) acknowledges, with great thanks, the members of the Technical Working Group for Bombing

Scene Investigation (TWGBSI) for their extensive efforts on this project and their dedication to improving the level of explosion and bombing investigations for the good of the criminal justice system. Each of the 32 members of this network of experts gave their time and expertise to draft and review the Guide, providing feedback and perspective from a variety of disciplines and from all areas of the United States, Canada, and Israel. The true strength of this Guide is derived from their commitment to develop procedures that could be implemented across the country, from rural townships to metropolitan areas. In addition, thanks are extended to the agencies and organizations the Technical Working Group (TWG) members represent for their flexibility and support, which enabled the participants to see this project to completion.

NIJ is immensely grateful to the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) at the University of Central Florida, particularly Director Carrie Whitcomb and Project Coordinator Joan Jarvis, for its coordination of the TWGBSI effort. NCFS’s support in planning and hosting the TWG meetings, as well as the support of its staff in developing the Guide, made this work possible.

Additionally, thanks are extended to all the individuals, agencies, and organizations across the country who participated in the review of this Guide and provided valuable comments and input. In particular, thanks go to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National District Attorneys Association, the Ameri-can Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, the International Associa-tion of Arson Investigators, and the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators. While all review comments were given careful consideration by the TWG in developing the final document, the review by these organizations is not intended to imply their endorsement of the Guide.

ix

NIJ would like to thank the co-manager for this project, Kathleen Higgins, for her advice and significant contribution to the development of the Guide.

Special thanks go to former NIJ Director Jeremy Travis for his support and guidance and to Lisa Forman, Lisa Kaas, and Anjali Swienton for their contributions to the TWG program. Thanks also go to Rita Premo of Aspen Systems Corporation, who provided tireless work editing and re-editing the various drafts of the Guide.

Finally, NIJ would like to acknowledge Attorney General Janet Reno, whose support and commitment to the improvement of the criminal justice system made this work possible.

x

Contents

Message From the Attorney General	iii

Message From the President of the University of Central Florida	v

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation	vii

Acknowledgments	ix

Introduction	1

Purpose and Scope	1

Statistics on Bombings and Other Explosives-Related Incidents	2

Background	4

Training	8

Authorization	8

A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation	9

Section A. Procuring Equipment and Tools	11

Safety	11

General Crime Scene Tools/Equipment	12

Scene Documentation	12

Evidence Collection	13

Specialized Equipment	14

Section B. Prioritizing Initial Response Efforts	15

1. Conduct a Preliminary Evaluation of the Scene	15

2. Exercise Scene Safety	16

3. Administer Lifesaving Efforts	17

4. Establish Security and Control	17

xi

Section C. Evaluating the Scene	19

1. Define the Investigator Role	19

2. Ensure Scene Integrity	20

3. Conduct the Scene Walkthrough	21

4. Secure Required Resources	21

Section D. Documenting the Scene	23

1. Develop Written Documentation	23

2. Photograph/Videotape the Scene	23

3. Locate and Interview Victims and Witnesses	24

Section E. Processing Evidence at the Scene	27

1. Assemble the Evidence Processing Team	27

2. Organize Evidence Processing	28

3. Control Contamination	28

4. Identify, Collect, Preserve, Inventory, Package, and

Transport Evidence	29

Section F. Completing and Recording the Scene Investigation	33

1. Ensure That All Investigative Steps Are Documented	33

2. Ensure That Scene Processing Is Complete	34

3. Release the Scene	35

4. Submit Reports to the Appropriate National Databases	35

Appendix A. Sample Forms	37

Appendix B. Further Reading	47

Appendix C. List of Organizations	49

Appendix D. Investigative and Technical Resources	51

xii

Introduction

“I had imagined that Sherlock Holmes would have at once hurried into the house and plunged into a study of the mystery. Nothing appeared to be further from his intention. He lounged up and down the pavement and gazed vacantly at the ground, the sky, the opposite houses. Having finished his scrutiny, he proceeded slowly down the path, keeping his eyes riveted on the ground.”

Dr. Watson

A Study in Scarlet

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes, the master of detectives, considered it essential to be excruciatingly disciplined in his approach to looking for evidence at a crime scene. While it is imperative that all investigators apply discipline in their search for evidence, it is apparent that few do so in the same way. Currently, there are no nationally accepted guidelines or standard practices for conducting explosion or bombing scene investigations. Professional training exists through Federal, State, and local agencies responsible for these investigations, as well as through some organizations and academic institutions. The authors of this Guide strongly encourage additional training for public safety personnel.

Purpose and Scope

The principal purpose of this Guide is to provide an investigative outline of the tasks that should be considered at every explosion scene. They will ensure that proper procedures are used to locate, identify, collect, and preserve valuable evidence so that it can be examined to produce the most useful and effective information—best practices. This Guide was designed to apply to explosion and bombing scene investigations, from highly complex and visible cases, such as the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, to those that attract less attention and fewer resources but may be just as complex for the investi-gator. Any guide addressing investigative procedures must ensure that

1

each contributor of evidence to the forensic laboratory system is served by the guide and that quality examinations will be rendered. Consistent collection of quality evidence in bombing cases will result in more successful investigations and prosecutions of bombing cases. While

this Guide can be useful to agencies in developing their own procedures, the procedures included here may not be deemed applicable in every circumstance or jurisdiction, nor are they intended to be all-inclusive.

Statistics on Bombings and Other

Explosives-Related Incidents

The principal Federal partners in the collection of data related to explo-sives incidents in the United States are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). These Federal partners collect and compile information sup-plied by State and local fire service and law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and many foreign countries.

According to ATF and FBI databases, there were approximately 38,362 explosives incidents from 1988 through 1997 (the latest year for which complete data were available) in the United States, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Incident reports received by ATF and the FBI indicate that the States with the most criminal bombing incidents are traditionally California, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Wash-ington. Criminal bombings and other explosives incidents have occurred in all States, however, and the problem is not limited to one geographic or demographic area of the country.

The number of criminal bombing incidents (bombings, attempted bombings, incendiary bombings, and attempted incendiary bombings) reported to ATF, the FBI, and USPIS fluctuated in the years 1993–97, ranging between 2,217 in 1997 and 3,163 in 1994. Incendiary incidents reached a high of 725 in both 1993 and 1994. Explosives incidents

2

reached a high of 2,438 in 1994 and a low of 1,685 in 1997. It is impor-tant to note that these numbers reflect only the incidents reported to Federal databases and do not fully reflect the magnitude of the problem in the United States.

Of the criminal bombing incidents reported during 1993–97, the top three targets—collectively representing approximately 60 percent of the incidents—were residential properties, mailboxes, and vehicles. Motives are known for about 8,000 of these incidents, with vandalism and revenge by far cited most frequently.

The most common types of explosive/incendiary devices encountered by fire service and law enforcement personnel in the United States are traditionally pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails, and other improvised explosive/incendiary devices. The most common explosive materials used in these devices are flammable liquids and black and smokeless powder.

Stolen explosives also pose a significant threat to public safety in the United States. From 1993 to 1997, more than 50,000 pounds of high explosives, low explosives, and blasting agents and more than 30,000 detonators were reported stolen. Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Tennessee, and North Carolina led the Nation in losses, but every State reported losses.

Further information, including updated and specific statistical informa-tion, can be obtained by contacting the ATF Arson and Explosives National Repository at 800–461–8841 or 202–927–4590, through its Web site at http://ows.atf.treas.gov:9999, or by calling the FBI Bomb Data Center at 202–324–2696.

3

Background

National Bombing Scene Planning Panel (NBSPP)

The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, a grantee of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), held a National Needs Symposium on Arson and Explo-sives in August 1997. The symposium’s purpose was to identify problem areas associated with the collection and analysis of fire and explosion debris. One of the problem areas identified was the need for improved, consistent evidence recognition and handling procedures.

In spring 1998, NIJ and NCFS, using NIJ’s template for creating techni-cal working groups, decided to develop guidelines for fire/arson and explosion/bombing scene investigations. The NIJ Director selected members for a planning group to craft the explosion/bombing investiga-tion guidelines—NBSPP. At the same time, the NIJ Director selected a fire/arson planning panel. The nine NBSPP members represent national and international organizations whose constituents are responsible for investigating explosion and bombing scenes and evaluating evidence from these investigations. The group also includes one academic re-searcher. The rationale for their involvement was twofold:

	◆ They represent the diversity of the professional discipline. 

	◆ Each organization is a key stakeholder in the conduct of explosion and bombing investigations and the implementation of this Guide. 

NBSPP was charged with developing an outline for national guidelines for explosion and bombing scene investigations—using the format
in the NIJ publication Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator1 as a template—and identifying the expertise composition of a technical working group for explosion/bombing scene investigations. This task was completed in March 1998 at a meeting at NCFS; the results are presented here.

4

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation (TWGBSI)

Candidates for TWGBSI were recommended by national law enforce-ment, prosecution, forensic sciences, and bomb technician organizations and commercial interests and represented a multidisciplinary group of both national and international organizations. These individuals are all content area experts who serve within the field every day. The following criteria were used to select the members of TWGBSI:

	◆ Each member was nominated/selected for the position by NBSPP and NCFS. 

	◆ Each member had specific knowledge regarding explosion and bombing investigation. 

	◆ Each member had specific experience with the process of explosion and bombing investigation and the outcomes of positive and negative scene investigations. 

	◆ Each member could commit to the project for the entire period. 

The 32 experts selected as members of TWGBSI came from 3 countries (the United States, Canada, and Israel), 13 States, and the District of Columbia. Because this technical working group dealt with explosion and bombing scenes, a large portion of investigators and analysts repre-sented ATF and the FBI. The geographical distribution of TWGBSI members is shown in exhibit 1.

Chronology of Work

NBSPP meeting. In March 1998, the panel met at UCF, under the sponsor-ship of NCFS, to review the existing literature and technologies, prepare the project objectives, and begin the guideline development process. The panel’s objective was to develop an outline for a set of national guidelines based on existing literature and present them for review to the assembled TWGBSI at a later date. During this initial session, five investigative tasks were identified. Each task included subsections that, when developed, provided a template of procedures for investigators to follow while conducting an explosion or bombing investigation.

5

Exhibit 1. Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation Membership Distribution

Canada

		Israel		
		Northeast		
		Southeast		
		Rocky Mountain		
Law Enforcement	Prosecutors	West		
				
Laboratory Staff	Researchers			
Practitioners				
Region	Number of Participants		
Northeast		20		
Southeast		8		
Rocky Mountain		1		
West		1		
International		2		

The completed Guide includes the following components:

	◆ A principle citing the rationale for performing the task. ◆ The procedure for performing the task. 

	◆ A summary outlining the principle and procedure. 

TWGBSI assembled in August 1998. After introductory remarks from the president of UCF, TWGBSI separated into five breakout sections to draft the Guide, which includes the following stages:

	◆ Prioritizing initial response efforts. ◆ Evaluating the scene. 

6

	◆ Documenting the scene. 

	◆ Processing evidence at the scene. 

	◆ Completing and recording the scene investigation. 

Once all breakout groups completed their work, the full group reas-sembled to review and approve the initial draft. Editors from an NIJ contractor attended each section to record the proceedings and guide the editorial process. After the meeting, the editors reformatted the initial draft and forwarded it to an agency representative so that it could be sent to all TWGBSI members for comment.

Organizational review and national reviewer network. After the TWGBSI comments were received by NIJ, NBSPP met in November and December 1998 in Washington, D.C., to consider and incorporate the comments, creating the second draft of the Guide. In addition, NBSPP members recommended organizations, agencies, and individuals they felt should comment on the draft document, which was mailed to all TWGBSI members and to this wider audience in June 1999. The 150 organizations and individuals whose comments were solicited during the national review of this Guide included all levels of law enforcement, regional and national organizations, and bomb response units from the United States, Canada, and other nations. A list of reviewers can be found in appendix C.

NBSPP members reassembled in August 1999 to incorporate the com-ments received from the initial wide review. Following this meeting, a third draft of the Guide was sent to all TWGBSI members for discussion and review within their organizations and agencies. In October 1999, the TWGBSI members met to review and recommend changes to this third draft. Another national and organizational review followed, and results were discussed by TWGBSI at a meeting in January 2000. What follows is the final consensus document resulting from the final meeting.

7

Training

For each of the procedures presented in this Guide, training criteria will be developed and approved by NCFS’s Technical Working Group on Fire and Explosions. These criteria will provide individuals and educational organizations with an additional resource for providing comprehensive instruction to public safety personnel. A current listing of institutions that can provide training in the area of explosion/bombing investigation can be obtained from NCFS (see appendix D).

Authorization

Federal, State, and local statutory authority in explosion and bombing cases is enforced by the agencies responsible for the specific incident and varies greatly depending on the specific location and nature of the incident.

Note

1. Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator, Research Report, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, December 1997, NCJ 167568.

8

A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation

Section A	Procuring Equipment and Tools		

Section B	Prioritizing Initial Response Efforts		

Section C	Evaluating the Scene		

Section D	Documenting the Scene		

Section E	Processing Evidence at the Scene		

Section F	Completing and Recording the Scene		
	Investigation		

9

This handbook is intended as a guide to recommended practices for the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence at explosion and bombing scenes. Jurisdictional, logistical, or legal conditions may preclude the use of particular procedures contained here. Not every portion of this document may be applicable to all explosion and bombing scenes. The investigator will determine the applicability of these procedures to a particular incident.

10

Section A. Procuring Equipment and Tools

Possessing the proper tools and equipment is key to any task, and never more so than in emergency situations such as explosion or bombing scenes. Because responders and investigators may not know the details of the situation until arriving at the scene, prior preparation is vital.

Following is a list of equipment and tools frequently used by the investi- A gative team at explosion and bombing scenes. Equipment and tool needs

are, for the most part, determined by the actual scene. The list below may be used as a planning guide for equipment and tool needs. Not every item and tool mentioned below will be applicable for use on every scene.

Safety

	◆ Biohazard materials (i.e., bags, tags, labels). ◆ First-aid kit. 

	◆ Footwear, safety (i.e., protective shoes/boots). ◆ Glasses, safety. 

	◆ Gloves, heavy and disposable (e.g., surgical, latex). ◆ Helmets, safety/hard hats. 

	◆ Kneepads. 

	◆ Outerwear, protective (e.g., disposable suits, weather gear). 

	◆ Personnel support items (e.g., food, water, hygiene items, shelter). ◆ Reflective tape. 

	◆ Respiratory equipment (e.g., particle masks, breathing equipment). 

11

General Crime Scene Tools/Equipment

	◆ Barrier tape/perimeter rope. ◆ Batteries. 

	◆ Binoculars. 

	◆ Communications equipment (e.g., telephone, two-way radio). 

	◆ Evidence collection kits (e.g., latent print, bodily fluid, impression, tool mark, trace evidence). 

	◆ Flares. 

	◆ Flashlights. ◆ Generators. 

	◆ Handtools (e.g., screwdrivers, crowbars, hammers). ◆ Knives, utility. 

	◆ Lighting, auxiliary. ◆ Tarps/tents. 

	◆ Thermometer. ◆ Trashcans, large. 

	◆ Tweezers/forceps. 

Scene Documentation

	◆ Compass. 

	◆ Computer and computer-aided design (CAD) program. ◆ Consent-to-search forms. 

	◆ Drawing equipment (e.g., sketchbooks, pencils). ◆ Logs (e.g., evidence recovery, photo). 

12

	◆ Measuring equipment (e.g., forensic mapping station, tape measure, tape wheel). 

	◆ Photographic equipment (e.g., 35mm camera, Polaroid camera, videocamera, digital camera, film, lenses, tripods). 

	◆ Tape recorder and cassettes. 

	◆ Writing equipment (e.g., notebooks, pens, permanent markers). 

Evidence Collection

	◆ Bags, new (e.g., sealable, nylon). ◆ Boxes, corrugated/fiberboard. 

	◆ Brushes and brooms. 

	◆ Cans, new (e.g., unlined). ◆ Evidence flags/cones. 

	◆ Evidence placards. ◆ Evidence tags. 

	◆ Evidence sealing tape. 

	◆ Gloves (i.e., disposable cotton, disposable latex). ◆ Grid markers. 

	◆ Heat sealer. ◆ Magnets. 

	◆ Outerwear, protective (e.g., disposable suits, shoe covers). ◆ Rakes, spades, and shovels. 

	◆ Sifters/screens. ◆ Swabbing kits. ◆ Trowels. 

	◆ Vacuum. 

13

Specialized Equipment

	◆ Aerial survey/photography equipment (e.g., helicopter). ◆ Chemical test kits and vapor detectors. 

	◆ Construction equipment, heavy. ◆ Extrication/recovery equipment. 

	◆ GPS (global positioning system) equipment. ◆ Ladders. 

	◆ Trace explosives detectors (e.g., sniffers) and/or detection canines. 

14

Section B. Prioritizing Initial Response Efforts

Note: Safety concerns should be continually addressed beginning with the initial response effort. Implementation of the procedures in this section will be determined by the scene circumstances.

1.	Conduct a Preliminary Evaluation			
	of the Scene			
Principle:		B		
	First responders (the first public safety personnel to			
	arrive at the scene, whether law enforcement officers,			
	firefighters, or emergency medical services (EMS)			
	personnel) must assess the scene quickly yet thoroughly			
	to determine the course of action to be taken. This			
	assessment should include the scope of the incident,			
	emergency services required, safety concerns, and			
	evidentiary considerations.			
Procedure:	Upon arrival at the scene, first responders should:			

A. 	Establish a command post/implement an incident command system (i.e., a point of contact and line of communication and authority for other public safety personnel). 

B. 	Request emergency services from bomb technicians, firefighters, EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers. 

C. 	Identify scene hazards, such as structural collapse, blood-borne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and secondary explosive devices. 

D. 	Identify witnesses, victims, and the presence of evidence. 

E. 	Preserve potentially transient physical evidence (e.g., evidence present on victims, evidence that may be compromised by weather conditions). 

15

DANGER: Beware of secondary devices!

The scene may contain secondary explosive devices designed specifically to kill or maim public safety responders. Do not touch any suspicious items. If a suspected secondary device is located, immediately evacuate the area and contact bomb disposal personnel.

Summary:	Based on the preliminary evaluation, first responders will initiate an incident command system, request emergency services, and identify scene hazards and evidentiary concerns.

2.	Exercise Scene Safety

Principle:	Safety overrides all other concerns. First responders must take steps to identify and remove or mitigate safety hazards that may further threaten victims, bystanders, and public safety personnel. They must exercise due caution while performing emergency operations to avoid injuries to themselves and others.

Procedure:	Following the preliminary evaluation of the scene, first responders should:

A. 	Request additional resources and personnel (e.g., bomb techni-cians, building inspectors, representatives from utility companies, such as gas, water, and electric) to mitigate identified hazards. 

B. 	Use tools and personal protective equipment appropriate to the task during all operations. 

C. 	Request and/or conduct a safety sweep of the area by personnel qualified to identify and evaluate additional hazards and safety concerns. 

D. 	Mark hazard areas clearly and designate safety zones to receive victims and evacuees. 

16

Summary:	To ensure safety, first responders will take steps to identify, evaluate, and mitigate scene hazards and establish safety zones.

3.	Administer Lifesaving Efforts

Principle:	First responders’ primary responsibility is to rescue living victims and provide treatment for life-threatening injuries. While performing emergency operations, they are to preserve evidence and avoid disturbing areas not directly involved in the rescue activities, including those areas containing fatalities.

Procedure:	After performing a preliminary evaluation and establish-ing scene safety, first responders should:

A. 	Initiate rescues of severely injured and/or trapped victims. 

B. 	Evacuate ambulatory victims, perform triage, and treat life-threatening injuries. 

C. 	Leave fatalities and their surroundings undisturbed. Removal of fatalities will await authorization. 

D. 	Avoid disturbing areas not directly involved in rescue activities. 

Summary:	Lifesaving efforts are first responders’ priority. Addition-ally, care should be taken not to disturb areas where rescue activities are not taking place.

4.	Establish Security and Control

Principle:	First responders will establish control and restrict scene access to essential personnel, thereby aiding rescue efforts and scene preservation. First responders will initiate documentation.

17

Procedure:	To establish security and control, first responders should:

A. 	Set up a security perimeter. 

B. 	Restrict access into and out of the scene through the security perimeter (e.g., control media, bystanders, nonessential personnel). 

C. 	Establish staging areas to ensure that emergency vehicles have access into the area. 

D. 	Initiate documentation of the scene as soon as conditions permit (e.g., taking notes, identifying witnesses, videotaping/photo-graphing bystanders). 

Summary:	First responders will establish a controlled security perimeter, designate staging areas, and initiate documentation. This will set the stage for the subsequent investigation.

18

Section C. Evaluating the Scene

Note: At the time the scene is determined to involve a bombing or other crime, the investigator must address legal requirements for scene access, search, and evidence seizure.

1.	Define the Investigator Role			
Principle:	The investigator must coordinate with the incident			
	commander and first responders to determine what			
	occurred and to assess the current situation. Subsequent			
	procedures will vary depending on the magnitude of the			
	incident.			
				
Procedure:	Upon arriving at and prior to entering the scene, the	C		
	investigator should:			

A. 	Identify and introduce himself or herself to the incident commander. 

B. 	Interview the incident commander and first responders to evaluate the situation, including safety concerns, and determine the level of investigative assistance needed. 

C. 	Conduct a briefing with essential personnel (e.g., law enforce-ment, fire, EMS, hazardous materials, and utility services personnel) to: 

	◆ Evaluate initial scene safety to the extent possible prior to entry. 

	◆ Ensure that a search for secondary explosive devices has been conducted. 

Caution: Only bomb disposal personnel should handle any suspected devices that are located. Take no further action until the devices have been identified or rendered safe.

19

	◆ Ensure that the scene has been secured, that a perimeter and staging areas for the investigation have been established, and that all personnel have been advised of the need to prevent contamination of the scene. 

	◆ Ensure that the chain of custody is initiated for evidence that may have been previously collected. 

D. 	Assess legal considerations for scene access (e.g., exigent circum-stances, consent, administrative/criminal search warrants). 

Summary:	The investigator will conduct a briefing to ensure scene safety and security, while addressing the issue of second-ary devices.

2.	Ensure Scene Integrity

Principle:	The investigator must ensure the integrity of the scene by establishing security perimeters and staging areas, contamination control procedures, and evidence collec-tion and control procedures.

Procedure:	Prior to evidence collection, the investigator should:

A. 	Establish procedures to document personnel entering and exiting the scene. 

B. 	Establish and document procedures to prevent scene contamina-tion. 

C. 	Establish and document procedures for evidence collection, control, and chain of custody (see the sample evidence recovery and chain of custody logs in appendix A). 

Summary:	The investigator will establish and document procedures to protect the integrity of the scene.

20

3.	Conduct the Scene Walkthrough

Principle:	The investigator must conduct a walkthrough to estab-lish scene parameters and acquire an overview of the incident.

Procedure:	During the scene walkthrough, the investigator should:

A. 	Reevaluate scene requirements (e.g., boundaries, personnel, equipment). 

B. 	Establish an entry and exit path for personnel. 

C. 	Be alert to safety concerns (e.g., structural damage, secondary devices, unconsumed explosive materials, failed utilities, hazard-ous materials) and to the locations of physical evidence. 

D. 	Ensure preservation and/or collection of transient evidence. 

E. 	Attempt to locate the seat(s) of the explosion(s). 

Summary:	The investigator’s initial walkthrough will be an opportu-nity to identify evidence and the presence of safety hazards.

4.	Secure Required Resources

Principle:	Following the walkthrough, the investigator should meet with available emergency responders and investigative personnel to determine what resources, equipment, and additional personnel may be needed.

Procedure:	During the course of this meeting, the investigator should:

A. 	Assess the nature and scope of the investigation through infor-mation obtained during the walkthrough and from all available personnel. 

21

B. 	Advise personnel of any secondary devices or other hazards found at the scene. 

C. 	Ensure that one list of victims/potential witnesses is developed and that their accounts of the incident are documented. 

D. 	Ensure that required evidence collection equipment, as well as processing and storage facilities, are available. 

E. 	Secure required equipment as determined by the scene condi-tions, such as light and heavy equipment, handtools, specialty equipment, and personal safety items. 

F. 	Ensure that sufficient utilities and support services are requested (e.g., electricity, food, trash removal, sanitary services, other public services, security). 

G. 	Advise emergency responders and the investigation team of their assignments for scene documentation and processing. 

H. 	Remind personnel that evidence can take many forms; it is not limited solely to components of the device(s). 

Summary:	The investigator will meet with emergency responders and investigative personnel in preparation for scene

documentation and processing.

22

Section D. Documenting the Scene

1.	Develop Written Documentation			
Principle:	The investigator will prepare written scene documenta-			
	tion to become part of the permanent record.			
Procedure:	The investigator should:			
A. Document access to the scene (see the sample access control log			
in appendix A).			
B. Document activities, noting dates and times, associated with the			
incident and the investigation (see the sample activity log in			
appendix A).			
C. Describe the overall scene in writing, noting physical and envi-			
ronmental conditions (e.g., odors, weather, structural conditions)			
(see the sample narrative description in appendix A).			
D. Diagram and label scene features using sketches, floor plans, and			
	D		
architectural or engineering drawings.			
				
E. 	Describe and document the scene with measuring equipment, which may include surveying equipment, GPS (global positioning system) technology, or other available equipment. 

Summary:	Investigators must prepare written scene documentation as part of the permanent record of the incident, which will serve as the foundation for any incident reconstruc-tions and future proceedings.

2.	Photograph/Videotape the Scene

Principle:	The investigator must ensure that photographic docu-mentation is included in the permanent scene record. This documentation should be completed prior to the removal or disturbance of any items.

23

Procedure:	The investigator should:

A. 	Record overall views of the scene (e.g., wide angle, aerial, 360-degree) to spatially relate items within and to the scene and surrounding area. (A combination of still photography, video-taping, and other techniques is most effective.) 

B. 	Consider muting the audio portion of any video recording unless there is narration. 

C. 	Minimize the presence of scene personnel in photographs/videos. 

D. 	Consider photographing/videotaping the assembled crowd. 

E. 	Maintain photo and video logs (see the sample photographic log in appendix A). 

Summary:	The investigator will ensure the photographic documen-tation of the scene to supplement the written documenta-tion in preparation for scene reconstruction efforts and any future proceedings.

3.	Locate and Interview Victims

and Witnesses

Principle:	The investigator will obtain victims’/witnesses’ identi-ties, statements, and information concerning their injuries.

Procedure:	The investigator should:

A. 	Identify and locate witnesses (e.g., victims who may have been transported, employees, first responders, delivery/service person-nel, neighbors, passers-by) and prioritize interviews. 

B. 	Attempt to obtain all available identifying data regarding victims/ witnesses (e.g., full name, address, date of birth, work and home telephone numbers) prior to their departure from the scene. 

24

C. 	Establish each witness’ relationship to or association with the scene and/or victims. 

D. 	Establish the basis of the witness’ knowledge: How does the witness have knowledge of the incident? 

E. 	Obtain statements from each witness. 

F. 	Document thoroughly victims’ injuries and correlate victims’ locations at the time of the incident with the seat(s) of the explosion(s). 

G. 	Interview the medical examiner/coroner and hospital emergency personnel regarding fatalities and injuries. 

Summary:	The investigator must attempt to determine the locations of all victims and witnesses. Victim and witness state-ments and information about their injuries may be essential to establishing the nature of the device and

the circumstances of the incident.

25

Section E. Processing Evidence at the Scene

Note: At the time the scene is determined to involve a bombing or other crime, the investigator must address legal requirements for scene access, search, and evidence seizure.

1.	Assemble the Evidence

Processing Team

Principle:	Effective organization and composition of the evidence processing team ensure the proper collection and preser-vation of evidence.

Procedure:	The size of the evidence processing team depends on the magnitude of the scene, but the investigator needs to ensure that the following roles and expertise are addressed:

A. 	Bomb disposal technician. 

B. 	Evidence custodian. 

C. 	Forensic specialist. 

D. 	Logistics specialist. 

E. 	Medical examiner. 

F. 	Photographer (still, digital, video, etc.). 

G. 	Procurement specialist. 

H. 	Safety specialist (structural engineer, etc.). 

I. 	Searchers/collectors. 

J. 	Sketch artist. 

E

Summary: Attention to the organization and composition of the evidence processing team facilitates effective evidence collection and preservation.

27

2.	Organize Evidence Processing

Principle:	Good organization is essential to evidence collection and preservation. The investigator must continually evaluate the scene, adapt to changes as they occur, and brief the team.

Procedure:	Before deploying the team, the investigator should:

A. 	Review and reevaluate: 

	◆ The boundaries of the scene. ◆ Safety concerns. 

	◆ Command post and staging locations. 

	◆ Evidence processing and storage locations. ◆ Personnel and equipment requirements. 

	◆ Legal and administrative considerations. 

B. 	Identify the search procedure for the scene. 

C. 	Ensure that transient physical evidence has been preserved and collected. 

D. 	Consider onsite explosives detection (e.g., trace explosives detection, use of canines, chemical tests) by qualified personnel. 

E. 	Brief the team and review assignments. 

Summary:	Prior to evidence collection and throughout the process, the investigator will review the scene, adapt to changes, and brief the team.

3.	Control Contamination

Principle:	Preventing contamination protects the integrity of the scene and other search areas, the integrity of the evi-dence for forensic analyses, and the safety of personnel.

28

Procedure:	The investigator should ensure that evidence processing personnel:

A. 	Use clean protective outergarments and equipment as applicable for each scene. 

B. 	Consider obtaining control samples as applicable (e.g., evidence containers, swabs of equipment and personnel). 

C. 	Package collected evidence in a manner that prevents loss, degradation, or contamination. 

D. 	Package, store, and transport evidence from different scenes or searches in separate external containers. 

Summary:	Proper collection, packaging, transportation, and storage will minimize contamination and ensure the integrity of

the evidence.

4.	Identify, Collect, Preserve, Inventory,

Package, and Transport Evidence

Principle:	The search focuses on the discovery of physical evidence that may establish that a crime was committed and link elements of the crime to possible suspects.

Procedure:	To maximize the recovery and evaluation of all types of physical evidence, the investigator should ensure:

A. 	The preparation of an evidence recovery log (see the sample in appendix A) that documents information such as: 

	◆ Item number. ◆ Description. 

	◆ Location found (grid number if used). ◆ Collector’s name. 

	◆ Markings (either directly on the item or indirectly on the package). 

29

	◆ Packaging method. 

	◆ Miscellaneous comments. 

B. 	The identification of evidence by: 

	◆ Assigning personnel to designated search areas. 

	◆ Initiating scene-specific search pattern(s) and procedures, including examination of immobile structures for possible evidence. 

	◆ Attempting to determine the method of bomb delivery. ◆ Establishing the seat(s) of the explosion(s), if present. 

	◆ Documenting blast effects (e.g., structural damage, bent signs, thermal effects, fragmentation). 

	◆ Examining the crater, vehicles, structures, etc. 

	◆ Documenting the location(s) of victims prior to and after the explosion. 

	◆ Ensuring that victims are examined for bomb component fragments. Autopsies should include full-body x-rays. 

C. 	The collection of evidence, including: 

	◆ Suspected bomb components and fragments, including those recovered from victims. 

	◆ Suspected materials used in the construction and transporta-tion of the explosive device(s) (e.g., tape, batteries, manuals, vehicles). 

	◆ Crater material. 

	◆ Residues and other trace evidence (using swabbing tech-niques). 

	◆ Additional items of evidence (e.g., blood, hair, fiber, finger-prints, tire tracks, weapons, documents, tools). 

	◆ Comparison samples of indigenous materials. 

D. 	That evidence is: 

	◆ Photographed. 

	◆ Packaged and preserved in containers. 

	◆ Labeled (e.g., date, collector’s initials, item number, location). ◆ Recorded in the evidence recovery log. 

	◆ Secured in the designated storage location. 

30

E. 	The labeling, transportation, and storage of evidence by: 

	◆ Placing evidence from different locations or searches in separate external containers. 

	◆ Labeling evidence for storage and shipment, including identification of hazards. 

	◆ Arranging for transportation of the evidence. 

Summary:	Identification, collection, preservation, and packaging of evidence must be conducted in a manner that protects the item, minimizes contamination, and maintains the chain of custody. These steps assist in establishing the ele-ments of a possible crime and provide the basis for thorough, accurate, and objective investigation and prosecution processes.

31

Section F. Completing and Recording the Scene

Investigation

1.	Ensure That All Investigative Steps

Are Documented

Principle:	To ensure that the permanent record will be complete, the investigator should review all documentation before releasing the scene.

Procedure:	The investigator should verify that the following have been addressed:

A. 	Documentation of major events and time lines related to the incident. 

B. 	Personnel access log (see the sample in appendix A). 

C. 	Activity log (see the sample in appendix A). 

D. 	Review of interviews and events. 

E. 	Narrative description of the scene (see the sample in appendix A). 

F. 	Photo and video logs (see the sample in appendix A). 

G. 	Diagrams, sketches, and evidence mapping. 

H. 	Evidence recovery log (see the sample in appendix A). 

Summary:	By accounting for all investigative steps prior to leaving	F		
	the scene, the investigator ensures an accurate and			
	thorough representation of the scene for the permanent			
				
	record.			

33

2.	Ensure That Scene Processing

Is Complete

Principle:	The scene may be released only upon conclusion of the onsite investigation and a thorough evidence collection process.

Procedure:	The investigator should perform a critical review of the scene investigation with all personnel, to include the following actions:

A. 	Discuss with team members, including those not present at the scene, preliminary scene findings and critical issues that arose during the incident. 

B. 	Ensure that all identified evidence is in custody. 

C. 	Recover and inventory equipment. 

D. 	Decontaminate equipment and personnel. 

E. 	Photograph and/or videotape the final condition of the scene just before it is released. 

F. 	Address legal considerations. 

G. 	Discuss postscene issues (e.g., forensic testing, insurance inquiries, interview results, criminal histories). 

H. 	Communicate and document postscene responsibilities. 

Summary:	The investigator will review the scene investigation to ensure that it is complete and that postscene issues are

addressed.

34

3.	Release the Scene

Principle:	The release of the scene must be documented. The investigator should ensure communication of known scene-related health and safety issues to a receiving authority at the time of release.

Procedure:	Upon releasing the scene, the investigator should:

A. 	Address public health and safety issues by performing the following tasks: 

	◆ Contacting public utilities. 

	◆ Evaluating biological and chemical hazards. ◆ Evaluating structural integrity issues. 

	◆ Assessing environmental issues. 

B. 	Identify a receiving authority for the scene. 

C. 	Ensure disclosure of all known health and safety issues to a receiving authority. 

D. 	Document the time and date of release, to whom the scene is being released, and by whom. 

Summary:	The investigator will ensure communication of known health and safety issues to a receiving authority upon releasing the scene and will document the release.

4.	Submit Reports to the Appropriate National Databases

Principle:	Detailed technical information regarding explosive devices is collected, integrated, and disseminated via national databases. These data help authorities identify the existence of serial bombers, the sophistication of explosive devices being used, and the need for uniform procedures and further development of equipment.

35

Procedure:	The investigator or authorized agency’s administration should submit detailed reports to these databases:

A. 	Arson and Explosives National Repository (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms). 

B. 	Bomb Data Center (Federal Bureau of Investigation). 

C. 	Uniform Crime Reports, National Incident-Based Reporting System, and National Fire Incident Reporting System. 

Summary:	The investigator contributes to the compilation of national databases that identify trends in explosions and other incidents involving explosives.

36

Appendix A. Sample Forms

Following are sample forms that can be adapted for use as needed.

	A1.	Consent to Search	

	A2.	Access Control Log	

	A3.	Activity Log	

	A4.	Narrative Description	

	A5.	Photographic Log	

	A6.	Evidence Recovery Log	

	A7.	Evidence Control/Chain of Custody	

37

CONSENT TO SEARCH

I,
(Person giving consent)

having been informed of my constitutional right not to have a search made of my premises without a search warrant and of my right to refuse to consent to such a search, do authorize Fire or Police Investigator,

(Name of Investigator)

or  his  designee,  to  conduct  a  complete  search  of  my  premises  known  as

(Address of property)

for the purpose of establishing the cause of the explosion which occurred at my premises
on		.	
	(Date of explosion)	

I am aware that the search is being conducted to search for evidence of the cause of the explosion and I agree to allow the above-named investigator or his designee to take photographs/videotapes of the premises, to remove papers, letters, materials, or other property, knowing that they may be submitted for forensic examination and testing.

I am aware that the above-named investigator or his designee will be on the premises for a period of time and I have no objection to their entering and remaining on the premises for a number of days. This written consent is being given by me voluntarily and without threats or promises of any kind.

I know that I can refuse to give this consent to search and I am waiving that right signing this consent.

Person Giving Consent

Witness

Witness

38

ACCESS CONTROL LOG

Date:			Starting Time:				Platoon:		OCA or Dispatch #:			
																								
Type of Crime:															
																								
Location of	Crime:															
																								
	Name					Position/Title					Time In		Time Out		

																								

																								

																								

																								

																								

Remarks:																							

																							
Initiated By:												Initiating Officer:							
					Print Name/Call Sign											Signature		
																						
Relieved By:										Relieving Officer:						
			Print Name/Call Sign						Signature			
																			
Date/Time Relieved:							Date/Time Completed:					

						Date			Time						Date		Time		

									Supervisor’s Signature:										
The completed form is to be turned over to the Investigating Detective.						Page___ of ___		

39

40	

ACTIVITY LOG

(Continued)

ACTIVITY LOG (Continued)

41	

42

43

44

EVIDENCE CONTROL/CHAIN OF CUSTODY

Please Furnish Complete Information

Agency submitting evidence

Date

Laboratory #

			
Delivered by	Accepted by	
			
Suspect(s)	Victim(s)	

Offense							Place and date of offense		
									
	Agency case #								
						
	Date of hearing, grand jury, trial, or reason why expeditious handling is necessary		
							
Prev. exams this case	Evid. located		Report to be directed to		
	Yes	No	Room #						
									
Copies to						Evidence to be returned to		
								Mailed Back		
								Picked Up by Contributor		
									
	Brief Facts covering case								

Description of evidence	Exams requested	

(This space for blocking)

45

(Continued)

46

Appendix B. Further Reading

Beveridge, A. Forensic Investigation of Explosions. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd., 1998.

Conkling, J.A. Chemistry of Pyrotechnics and Explosives. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1985.

Cook, M.A. The Science of High Explosives. Malabar, Florida: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Company, 1958, 1985.

Cooper, P.W. Explosives Engineering. New York: Wiley-VCH, 1997.

Cooper, P.W., and S.R. Kurowski. Introduction to the Technology of Explosives. New York: Wiley-VCH, 1997.

Davis, T.L. The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives. Hollywood, California: Angriff Press, 1972.

DeHaan, J.D. Kirk’s Fire Investigation. 4th ed. Indianapolis: Brady Publishing/Prentice Hall, 1997.

Encyclopedia of Explosives and Related Items. Vols. 1–10. Dover, New Jersey: Picatinny Arsenal, U.S. Army Armament Research and Development Command, 1960–83.

Kennedy, P.M., and J. Kennedy. Explosion Investigation and Analysis: Kennedy on Explosions. Chicago: Investigations Institute, 1990.

The ISEE Blaster’s Handbook. 17th ed. Cleveland: International Society of Explosives Engineers, 1998.

Kohler, J., and R. Meyer. Explosives. 4th, revised and extended ed. New York: Wiley-VCH, 1993.

Military Explosives. U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Technical Manual TM 9–1300–214. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Army, 1967.

47

National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. Quincy, Massachusetts: National Fire Protection Association.

Urbanski, T. Chemistry and Technology of Explosives. Vols. 1–4. New York: Pergamon Press, 1983.

Yinon, J., and S. Zitrin. Modern Methods and Applications in Analysis of Explosives. New York: Wiley-VCH, 1993.

48

Appendix C. List of Organizations

During the review process, drafts of this document were sent to the following agencies and organizations for comment. While TWGBSI considered all comments and issues raised by these organizations, this Guide reflects only the positions of its authors. Mention of the reviewers is not intended to imply their endorsement.

Accomack County (VA) Sheriff’s Office

Alaska State Criminal Laboratory

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

American Bar Association

American Correctional Association

American Jail Association

American Prosecutors Research Institute

American Reinsurance Company

American Society of Crime Laboratory

Directors

American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers

Anchorage (AK) Police Department

Arapahoe County (CO) Sheriff’s Office

Armstrong Forensic Laboratory

Association of Federal Defense Attorneys

Bridgeport (MI) Forensic Laboratory

Bristol (VA) Police Department

Broward County (FL) Sheriff’s Office Brownsville (TX) Police Department Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Cameron County (TX) Sheriff’s Office Campaign for Effective Crime Policy Chicago (IL) Fire Department

Cincinnati (OH) Fire Division

City of Donna (TX) Police Department

City of Inver Grove Heights (MN) Fire Marshal Clark County (NV) Fire Department

Cleveland State College Basic Police Academy

Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies

Conference of State Court Administrators

Connecticut State Police Forensic Laboratory

Conyers (GA) Police Department

Council of State Governments

Covington (TN) Fire Department

Criminal Justice Institute

Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office

Drug Enforcement Administration

Edinburg (TX) Police Department

Fairbanks (AK) Police Department

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, U.S.

Department of the Treasury

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Florida State Fire Marshal

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Public Safety Training Center

Town of Goshen (NY) Police Department

Harlingen (TX) Police Department

Hidalgo County (TX) Sheriff’s Office

Illinois State Police

Indiana State Police Laboratory

Institute of Police Technology and Management International Association for Identification
International Association of Bomb Technicians

and Investigators

International Association of Chiefs of Police

International City/County Management

Association

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation

Laboratory

49

Jefferson Parish (LA) Fire Department

Juneau (AK) Police Department

Laredo (TX) Police Department

Law Enforcement Training Institute

Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department

Maine State Police Crime Laboratory

Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office

Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory

McAllen (TX) Police Department

Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department

Michigan Department of State Police

Mission (TX) Police Department

National Association of Attorneys General

National Association of Black Women Attorneys

National Association of Counties

National Association of Criminal Defense

Lawyers

National Association of Drug Court Professionals National Association of Police Organizations, Inc. National Association of Sentencing Commissions
National Association of State Alcohol and Drug

Abuse Directors

National Association of Women Judges National Black Police Association National Center for State Courts National Conference of State Legislatures

National Council on Crime and Delinquency National Crime Prevention Council National Criminal Justice Association National District Attorneys Association National Governors Association

National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of Law Enforcement Standards

National Law Enforcement and Corrections

Technology Centers

National Law Enforcement Council

National League of Cities

National Legal Aid and Defender Association

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement

Executives

National Sheriffs’ Association

New Hampshire State Police Forensic

Laboratory

New Jersey State Police

New York State Office of Fire Prevention and

Control

Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department

Pan American Police Department (Edinburg, TX)

Peace Officer’s Standards and Training

Pennsylvania State Police Laboratory

Pharr (TX) Police Department

Pinellas County (FL) Forensic Laboratory

Police Executive Research Forum

Police Foundation

Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory

St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Department San Diego (CA) Police Department

Sitka (AK) Police Department

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Suffolk County (NY) Crime Laboratory

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy

Texas Rangers Department of Public Safety

Tucson (AZ) Police Department

U.S. Border Patrol

U.S. Conference of Mayors

Utah State Crime Scene Academy

Webb County (TX) Sheriff’s Department

Weslaco (TX) Police Department

Willacy County (TX) Sheriff’s Office

Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory

50

Appendix D. Investigative and Technical Resources

Depending on jurisdiction, an investigator’s initial points of contact should be his or her State or local fire marshal’s office and/or State police. Following is a list of resources that may be useful for further investigative or technical information and assistance. This list should not be considered all-inclusive.

A current list of institutions that can provide training in explosion/ bombing scene investigation is available from the National Center for Forensic Science.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and

Firearms*

Headquarters Enforcement
Operations Center

888–ATF–BOMB

202–927–8050

URL: http://www.atf.treas.gov

Arson and Explosives National Repository

800–461–8841

202–927–4590

Arson and Explosives Programs Division

202–927–7930

National Laboratory

301–762–9800

Chemical Transportation Emer-

gency Center (CHEMTREC® )

800–262–8200

URL: http://www.chemtrec.org

Environmental Protection

Agency

National Response Center

800–424–8802

URL: http://www.epa.gov

Federal Bureau of Investigation*

Bomb Data Center (preblast
issues)

202–324–2696

URL: http://www.fbi.gov

Explosives Unit (postblast issues)

202–324–4341

Federal Emergency Management

Agency

U.S. Fire Administration

202–447–1000

URL: http://www.usfa.fema.gov

Institute of Makers of Explosives

202–429–9280

URL: http://www.ime.org

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International Association of

Arson Investigators

314–739–4224

URL: http://www.fire-investigators.org

International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators

941–353–6843

URL: http://www.iabti.org

International Society of
Explosives Engineers

440–349–4004

URL: http://www.isee.org

National Center for Forensic Science

407–823–6469

URL: http://www.ncfs.ucf.edu

National Fire Protection Association

617–770–3000

URL: http://www.nfpa.org

National Institute of Standards
and Technology

Building and Fire Research
Laboratory

301–975–6850

URL: http://www.bfrl.nist.gov

Royal Canadian Mounted Police*

Canadian Bomb Data Center

613–993–7880

URL: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/

U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard

Investigation Board

202–261–7600

URL: http://www.chemsafety.gov

U.S. Postal Inspection Service*

Forensic/Technical Services
Division

703–406–7100

URL: http://www.usps.gov/ websites/depart/inspect/

* These are sources for criminal investigative assistance.

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