1. Crime Scene Investigation for Explosive Incidents
Prof. Charles L. Feer Department of Criminal Justice
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2. 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
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3. 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
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4. Three Types of Explosions
Mechanical
Chemical
Nuclear
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5. Mechanical Explosion
Occurs when pressure builds up in a container until the pressure exceeds the structural resistance of the container. Alley Effect
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6. Chemical Explosion
Are the result of fuel and oxygen supporting rapid combustion. Redneck Bomb Maker
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7. Atomic Explosions
Are produced by Fission – splitting the nuclei of atoms; or,
Fusion which forces the nuclei of atoms together under great pressure.
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8. 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.)
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9. 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.
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10. 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
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11. 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.
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12. Locating and Collecting Evidence
Remnants can include blasting caps, batteries, match heads, cell phones, walkie-talkies, timers.
Think – Fingerprints!
Think – DNA!
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13. 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.)
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14. Explosive Incidents Think Hazardous Materials!
Transportation of Haz-Mat materials, including explosives require special conditions.
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15. Questions?
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