3.520 Bomb Threats - Located Explosive Devices - Dentonations

Question 1

Which agency is the primary investigative unit for all terrorist incidents?

Answer 1

FBI

Question 2

Any item (package, luggage, vehicle, etc.) identified as potentially containing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive material that requires specialized equipment and training to further evaluate. Suspicious indicators are based upon the prevailing and/or communicated threat, placement and proximity of the item(s) to people and valuable assets and more tangible aspects including but not limited to: unexplainable wires or electronics, other visible IED components, unusual sounds, vapors, mists, powders, liquids, odors, etc.

Summary: Any package, bag, item that , due to a proper threat assessment, is a possible danger to the people or property in the area.

Answer 2

Suspicious Item

Question 3

“Any item (package, luggage, vehicle) that does not outwardly present itself as suspicious or threatening in nature; cannot be associated with a communicated threat; is not positioned to avoid observation and/or detection where people congregate; and critical assets are present. The owner may not be readily determined or located; however, there is usually a plausible explanation as to why the item was left unattended (a toy where children may have recently played, a briefcase or small backpack in a toilet facility or, a piece of luggage at a transportation venue in a non-high traffic pedestrian area).”

Answer 3

Unattended Item

Question 4

Any weapon, device or destructive device that is intended to create a great risk of death or serious bodily injury through the release, dissemination or impact of toxic or poisonous chemicals or their precursors, a biological agent, toxin, vector or radiation.

Answer 4

Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Question 5

When responding to a bomb threat, unattended item or suspicious item, what type of searches should be conducted?

Answer 5

1. Upon arrival, officers should do a visual search of 25 feet around their initial arrival location.
2. After the initial 25 foot search, a 100 foot search should be conducted.
3. If a new location is established for a command post, the 25 foot and 100 foot search should be conducted again. The use of an EDD should be utilized, if available.

Question 6

When investigating bomb threats, what is the intention of the department?

Answer 6

To investigate them in a “low-profile manner”.

Question 7

When the department receives initial information of a bomb threat/extortion, when will the target individual or establishment be notified?

Answer 7

As soon as possible, by detectives.

Question 8

“All decisions regarding compliance with extortion demands will be made by…”

Answer 8

“…the representative of the establishment.”

Question 9

Upon arriving on a suspicious item, what are the steps involved in a “threat assessment”?

Answer 9

1. When did the item show up?
2. How long has it been there? (Surveillance video? Witnesses?)
3. Did anyone see the person that left the item?
4. Where is it placed? Entry way or exits?
5. How is it placed? (Does it look like it was deliberately hidden?)
6. Have there been any recent threats?
7. What does the item look like? (Switches, wires, etc.)
8. If you feel the item is clear based on the totality of the circumstances?
9. Is the item suspicious, abandoned or temporarily unattended.

Question 10

What are two most valuable items targeted by terrorists?

Answer 10

People and Property

Question 11

After responding to the scene of a bomb threat and conferring with the senior representative of an establishment, who makes the decisions to evacuate the business?

Answer 11

The representative.

NOTE: LVMPD personnel will NOT make this decision.

Question 12

On a bomb threat call involving a possible suspicious package, what should be avoided?

Answer 12

“Personnel are cautioned against radio transmissions in the vicinity of the device which could detonate it.”

Question 13

When responding to a non-specific bomb threat (i.e. “a bomb will blow up at the corner of Flamingo/Pecos in 15 minutes”, what are the responsibilities of the patrol officer?

Answer 13

1. Contact the person reporting
2. Complete an ICR
3. Forward all documents to ARMOR.

Question 14

What are the components of an improvised explosive device (IED)?

Answer 14

1. Power source
2. Initiator
3. Explosive material
4. Switch or chemical mixture to create a hypergolic reaction

Question 15

Department personnel will not in any way handle, touch or move an explosive device, either suspected or known. True of False?

Answer 15

TRUE

Question 16

When responding to the scene of an unattended item, suspicious package or explosive material, what are the responsibilities of the patrol officer?

Answer 16

1. Respond to the scene and conduct a preliminary investigation.
2. Perform an initial 25 foot search around the arrival area, then another 100 foot search around the arrival area, to include the CP and staging area.
3. Establish a perimeter utilizing the FBI Bomb Threat Stand-Off Card.
4. Search the area around the CP for secondary devices.
5. Gather and control witnesses as well as start voluntary statements.

Question 17

When responding to an unattended item, suspicious package or explosive material, what are the responsibilities of the patrol supervisor?

Answer 17

1. Respond and confirm possible explosive device.
2. Establish ICS
3. Contact the ARMOR supervisor through a communications supervisor.
4. Begin evacuations (for high rise buildings, evacuate 2 floors above and below)
5. Assign an additional officer to the primary location to assist in communications.
6. Remain at the scene to assist ARMOR
7. Complete an After Action Report and route to ARMOR.

Question 18

What are the (2) command and control locations that will established when a device or suspected device is located?

Answer 18

1. The Tactical Operations Center (TOC)

2. The Incident Command Post (ICP)

Question 19

“Department personnel will not release the following information on explosive devices to anyone outside law enforcement…”

Answer 19

1. Type of explosive
2. Components
3. Packaging
4. Method used to detonate
5. Opinions as to why the device did or did not detonate
6. Investigative techniques used to mitigate the threat

Question 20

“In any case where an explosion has occurred, there is always the chance for the presence of unexploded bombs or a second device left by the suspect.” What should be used to clear the crime scene prior to personnel entering and conducting investigations?

Answer 20

Explosive Detector Dog (EDD)

Question 21

On a post-blast scene, what is the minimum number of feet a perimeter should be established from any time that can visually be identified as evidence.

Answer 21

300 Feet