Crime Scene Investigation for Explosive Incidents Prof. Charles L. Feer Department of Criminal Justice 2/19/2019
Bomb Scene Investigations Start as Local L.E. Investigation F.B.I. investigates Terrorism A.T.F. & E. investigates explosives E.O.D. (Bomb Techs) Be Aware of Secondary Devices! Madrid Iraq Do not enter until told “safe” Assessing safety is on-going. Turkey News Turkey 2 2/19/2019
Explosion An explosion is: A sudden and rapid escape of gases from a confined space. Accompanied by high temperatures, violent shock, and loud noise. Pipe Bomb 2/19/2019
Three Types of Explosions Mechanical Chemical Nuclear 2/19/2019
Mechanical Explosion Occurs when pressure builds up in a container until the pressure exceeds the structural resistance of the container. Alley Effect 2/19/2019
Chemical Explosion Are the result of fuel and oxygen supporting rapid combustion. Redneck Bomb Maker 2/19/2019
Atomic Explosions Are produced by Fission – splitting the nuclei of atoms; or, Fusion which forces the nuclei of atoms together under great pressure. 2/19/2019
Energetic Materials Two broad categories of Explosions: 1) Low Explosives – burn rather than explode. (Need to be contained) 2) High Explosives – detonate by shock. (Do not have to be confined.) 2/19/2019
High Explosives Three groups: Primary – detonate forcefully, sensitive to heat, shock, friction. Secondary - require a detonating device or initiating explosion. Tertiary – require a booster or a secondary high explosive to detonate. 2/19/2019
Upon Detonation 1) Shock wave moves. Slow Mo Pressure 2) Air rushes back into void created by positive pressure. Positive – Negative Pressure 3) Fragmentation (container) and Shrapnel (attached to bomb). Flying – LE Flying – Iraq 2/19/2019
Locating and Collecting Evidence Do NOT go in without a Bomb Tech! Locate Crater – indicates the origin of the blast. Soil samples must be gathered from all areas surrounding the crater. Locate remnants of the detonating mechanism. 2/19/2019
Locating and Collecting Evidence Remnants can include blasting caps, batteries, match heads, cell phones, walkie-talkies, timers. Think – Fingerprints! Think – DNA! 2/19/2019
Locating and Collecting Evidence Indoor Scene – Each room should be treated as a separate crime scene. Outdoor Scene – Locate the debris furthest from the crater, and double the distance for your perimeter. If a suspect is arrested – collect all clothing and personal items. (Seal everything in paper bags.) 2/19/2019
Explosive Incidents Think Hazardous Materials! Transportation of Haz-Mat materials, including explosives require special conditions. 2/19/2019
Questions? 2/19/2019