600-36 Bomb Threats, Explosive Devices, Explosions

Question 1

Blast Seat.

Answer 1

Point of detonation of a bomb or improvised explosive device (IED).

Question 2

Bomb Squad Commander.

Answer 2

The highest ranking classified police officer certified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Hazardous Devices School and assigned to, or a commander of, the HPD Tactical Operations Division Bomb Squad.

Question 3

Bomb Technician.

Answer 3

A classified HPD officer who has successfully completed the FBI Hazardous Devices School Basic Certification Course as approved by the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board and who is assigned to the HPD Bomb Squad.

Question 4

CBRNE.

Answer 4

The five categories of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) materials including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive.

Question 5

Explosive Detection K-9 Team.

Answer 5

A law enforcement canine handler and the canine partner with exceptional abilities selected and trained for the detection of explosive material odors.

Question 6

Explosive Weapon.

Answer 6

Any explosive or incendiary bomb, grenade, rocket, or mine that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury, death, or substantial property damage, or for the principal purpose of causing such a loud report as to
cause undue public alarm or terror. Also includes a device designed, made, or adapted for delivery or shooting of an explosive weapon.

Question 7

Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Answer 7

A device placed or fabricated in a makeshift manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. It may incorporate military explosives, but is normally devised from nonmilitary components.

Question 8

Explosive types

a. Military Explosive. Explosives manufactured for _____.

b. Commercial Explosive. Explosives that are _____ for commercial purposes.

c. Improvised Explosive. Energetic material composed of homemade explosives or a combination of chemicals that create a _____. The material may include military and/or commercial explosives as a component.

Answer 8

1) military use

2) available for purchase on the open market

3) non-standard explosive compound or mixture

Question 9

Components of IEDs

IED components include, but are not limited to, power sources, electrical components, switch mechanisms, and energetic materials or their ingredients. IED components include the following:

a. _____, specifically oxidizers (e.g., nitrates, peroxides, chlorates) and fuels (e.g., alcohols, metals, solvents, sugars), that when blended together produce energetic materials. Binders such as greases, motor oils, petroleum jellies, or waxes can be used to hold mixtures together.

b. _____ used to house an IED or its components (e.g., metal or plastic pipe, end caps, military ordnance, plastic bottles).

c. _____used to start an energetic material’s deflagration or detonation (e.g., cannon fuse, rocket igniters, electric bulbs, match heads, blasting caps).

d. _____ used to initiate IEDs (e.g., remote controls, cellular telephones, key fobs, two-way radios, mechanical switches).

e. _____used as energetic materials in IEDs such as gun powders, pyrotechnic powders, commercial explosives, military explosives, or chemical mixtures.

Answer 9

1) Improvised explosive chemicals

2) Containers

3) Initiators

4) Firing systems

5) Fillers

Question 10

METHODS OF EXPLOSIVE INITIATION

The following are three methods of IED initiations that may be encountered by officers.

a. _____ initiated.

b. _____ initiated (including booby traps).

c. _____ initiated (controlled by a suspect). May be controlled remotely or by hardwire. Multiple methods of initiation are common (e.g., time delay with a booby trap).

Answer 10

1) Time delay

2) Victim

3) Command

Question 11

METHODS OF EXPLOSIVE DELIVERY (1/4)

The following are methods of explosive delivery that may be encountered by officers.

a. ____.

The bomb is put in place by the bomber. The bomb could be placed inside of a building, vehicle, etc. A device in a vehicle is considered “placed” if _____. These devices are generally time delay initiated or victim initiated, although use of command initiated devices is increasing especially when used against specific targets such as first responders.

Answer 11

1) Placed

2) the target is the vehicle or a person utilizing the vehicle

Question 12

METHODS OF EXPLOSIVE DELIVERY (2/4)

The following are methods of explosive delivery that may be encountered by officers.

b. ____.

The bomb is _____ to its target location. These devices are generally victim initiated.

Answer 12

1) Shipped

2) mailed or delivered by common carrier

Question 13

METHODS OF EXPLOSIVE DELIVERY (3/4)

The following are methods of explosive delivery that may be encountered by officers.

c. _____ (PBIED).

The bomb is _____. The person carrying the device may be the bomber (suicide/homicide bomber) or may be a person forced to carry or wear the bomb (_____). IEDs borne by a suicide bomber are generally command initiated (e.g., the bomber initiates the device when a sufficient target is presented). IEDs borne by a proxy bomber may be time delay initiated, victim initiated, or command initiated.

Answer 13

1) Person Borne IED

2) carried or worn by a person

3) proxy bomber

Question 14

METHODS OF EXPLOSIVE DELIVERY (4/4)

The following are methods of explosive delivery that may be encountered by officers.

_____ (VBIED).

A vehicle is used as part of the bomb by acting as the _____ and _____ to enhance the destructiveness of the device. The devices tend to be large (in excess of 100 pounds of explosive weight) and can be time delay initiated, victim initiated, or command initiated. Due to the large amount of explosives that a vehicle may contain, officers shall consider expanding standard minimum evacuation distances (see the General Guidelines section of this General Order).

Answer 14

1) Vehicle Borne IED

2) transportation component

3) additional fragmentation

Question 15

In all situations involving an explosion or suspected explosive device, component, or material, officers shall:

Answer 15

a. Seek cover.
b. Contain the threat.
c. Call for assistance.
d. Evacuate nearby citizens.
e. Establish and maintain an outer perimeter.
f. Minimize cellular telephone and/or radio use.

Question 16

In all situations involving an explosion or suspected explosive device, component, or material, officers shall:

a. Seek cover.
This is similar to taking cover during a shooting, with additional considerations. Employees seeking cover from an explosive device shall take into account that _____. Avoid areas adjacent to or underneath windows. A blast wave can travel around corners, so _____

Answer 16

1) surrounding and overhead structures can be weakened and may collapse or fall

2) stay as close as possible to the cover.

Question 17

In all situations involving an explosion or suspected explosive device, component, or material, officers shall:

b. Contain the threat.
Prevent any suspected explosive device (whether worn, carried, or driven) _____. Do not attempt to move the device away from the public.

Answer 17

from leaving the location

Question 18

In all situations involving an explosion or suspected explosive device, component, or material, officers shall:

c. Call for assistance.
Notify the dispatcher of the threat. Request additional resources such as the Bomb Squad, fire department, or additional officers for traffic and crowd control. Officers shall request the fire department _____

Answer 18

only when there is a fire or explosion or at the request of the bomb technician.

Question 19

In all situations involving an explosion or suspected explosive device, component, or material, officers shall:

d. Evacuate nearby citizens.
Move citizens a minimum of _____ away and behind cover. See below subsection “Evacuation and Outer Perimeter Distance.”

Answer 19

300 feet

Question 20

In all situations involving an explosion or suspected explosive device, component, or material, officers shall:

e. Establish and maintain an outer perimeter.
_____ is considered the minimum distance from a small explosive device. See below subsection “Evacuation and Outer Perimeter Distance.”

Answer 20

300 feet

Question 21

In all situations involving an explosion or suspected explosive device, component, or material, officers shall:

f. Minimize cellular telephone and/or radio use.
It is permissible to leave radios and cellular telephones on during a bomb threat search or life-saving measures at explosion scenes, but if a suspicious item is identified, officers _____.

Answer 21

shall not transmit from a position near the item

Question 22

Employees shall not attempt to move or touch a suspected explosive device, component, or material unless _____

In addition to suspected explosive devices, the Bomb Squad shall be notified of any _____. Radiological sources could be a component of an improvised nuclear device or a radiological dispersion device. The suspicious radiological sources shall be examined by a bomb technician.

Answer 22

1) specifically directed to do so by a bomb technician.

2) suspicious radiological event

Question 23

Evacuation and Outer Perimeter Distance

When evacuation of a crime scene involving a suspected explosive device is authorized, the standard minimum evacuation and outer perimeter distance from a small explosive device such as a pipe bomb is 300 feet. For larger explosive threats, this distance is significantly greater.

Consider the following minimum distances for larger devices:
a. Sedan sized vehicles ………… ____ feet
b. Passenger vans …………………. ____ feet
c. Small box trucks ……………… ____ feet
d. Semi-trailers ………………….. ____ feet

Answer 23

1) 1500

2) 2500

3) 3500

4) 7000

Question 24

Evacuation and Outer Perimeter Distance

When a suspected explosive device is inside a building, the standard minimum evacuation distance includes _____. See sections External Threats and Internal Threats of this General Order regarding evacuation authorization.

Answer 24

the room with the device and all adjacent rooms including those directly above and below in multistoried structures

Question 25

Guidelines for Incidents Involving an IED

When considering response to resistance, a person does not have to be in possession of an IED to present a threat to officers or public safety. Suspects in possession of a remote triggering device (e.g., cellular telephone or wireless controller) shall be considered a threat as if they were in possession of the actual IED. Determination of this level of threat shall be based on:
a. _____ by a suspect.
b. Field _____.
c. Suspect’s possession of a _____ in conjunction with actions, statements, or other indicators that suggest _____

Answer 25

1) Statements made

2) intelligence

3) possible remote trigger

4) the object may be used to trigger an explosive device or explosive weapon.

Question 26

Guidelines for Incidents Involving an IED

Officers shall not approach or allow other individuals to _____ even if the person is asking for assistance, has surrendered to officers, or is wounded or dead.

Officers shall not discharge or allow other first responders to _____ at a person suspected of possessing (or wearing) an IED.

Officers shall avoid _____

Answer 26

1) approach a person suspected of possessing (or wearing) an IED

2) discharge a conducted energy device (CED)

3) firing their weapon into a suspected IED possessed (or worn) by a person.

Question 27

Guidelines for Incidents Involving an IED

If a person in possession of (or wearing) an IED is cooperative, have the person self-remove the device if possible. Once an officer is confident the device and all components have been removed (e.g., by the person removing clothing and the officer conducting a remote visual search), the officer shall have the person _____

If the person cannot remove the device, have the person _____. If this is not possible due to the suspected presence of a pressure switch or other reason, have the person _____. Officers shall use verbal commands while behind cover to direct the person and await the Bomb Squad’s arrival.

If the person in possession of the IED is not cooperative, officers shall follow department policy in General Orders 600-17, Response to Resistance and 600-05, Special Threat Situations.

Answer 27

1) step away from the device and to a position where officers can restrain the person without exposing themselves to the IED.

2) lie prone with their hands empty, arms outstretched, and palms facing officers

3) sit or kneel with their hands empty, arms outstretched, and palms facing officers

Question 28

EXTERNAL THREATS

Except as noted in the Internal Threats section of this General Order, any employee upon learning of a bomb threat, suspected explosive device or material, or explosion, shall immediately notify the _____

Answer 28

Emergency Communications Division (ECD).

Question 29

ECD Responsibilities

ECD shall maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) specifically for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE), and bomb threat incidents that shall include the following:

a. Dispatch a _____ to the scene.

b. Once a suspicious device or package is located, notify the Houston Fire Department for a hazardous material (HAZMAT) and emergency medical services (EMS) response if _____.

c. Dispatcher shall notify an _____.

d. ECD Watch Command shall notify the _____.

The Command Center shall notify the _____.

Answer 29

1) field supervisor and a patrol officer

2) the Bomb Squad technician requests them

3) ECD Watch Command supervisor

4) Command Center

5) Homicide Division

Question 30

Patrol Responsibilities

The first arriving patrol supervisor in charge of the initial investigation shall advise _____ upon discovery of an explosion or suspected explosive device, component, or precursor, and request a bomb technician be dispatched to the scene. A bomb technician will not normally be dispatched to a threat-only scene, but can be requested in the event of _____. An Explosive Detection K-9 Team shall be dispatched if requested by an on-scene supervisor or a bomb technician.

The Explosive Detection K-9 handler shall work with the on-scene supervisor and bomb technician to determine the most effective and safe way to _____.

Answer 30

1) the Command Center

2) unusual circumstances

3) deploy the K-9 team during the incident

Question 31

Patrol Responsibilities

Patrol supervisors shall ensure that all information necessary for the incident report and continuing investigation is obtained and made available to the bomb technician immediately upon arrival at the scene. The patrol supervisor in charge of the scene shall ensure that the responding officer completes an original incident report and that the Command Center is advised of the significant event as directed in General Order 200-10, Emergency Management. The patrol supervisor shall complete a _____ for the Chief of Police regarding any _____

Answer 31

1) Significant Event Report

2) explosion or the discovery of a suspected explosive device, component, or precursor and there is a criminal intent in its use.

Question 32

Patrol Responsibilities

Patrol officers shall coordinate any search but shall not enter a suspected area unless _____. Only _____ shall conduct a search of the suspected area. Only _____ may determine if total evacuation is necessary prior to a suspected explosive device being found.

Answer 32

1) a suspicious object is found

2) personnel familiar with the area

3) the property owner or the property agent

Question 33

Patrol Responsibilities

Upon locating a suspected IED or any explosive weapon, the _____ shall be responsible for evacuating the crime scene according to the standard minimum evacuation distance listed in the General Guidelines section of this General Order.

On-scene officers shall secure the evacuation area from all persons including fire department and law enforcement personnel unless, _____.

Answer 33

1) highest ranking classified HPD supervisor on the scene

2) after consultation with a bomb technician, an alternative evacuation plan is established

Question 34

Patrol Responsibilities

Officers are expected to exercise due caution and safety, and never _____. Responding and on-scene officers shall conduct a search of their immediate assigned area (e.g., perimeter security, traffic control) for unusual or suspicious objects (e.g., secondary or entrapment devices) that _____.

Answer 34

1) act with undue haste or emotional behavior that might incite panic

2) may require the attention of a bomb technician

Question 35

Investigative Responsibilities

Upon arrival at the incident location, the _____ shall take charge of the scene and determine the necessary action to ensure safety for all persons present.

The Command Center shall be notified if it appears_____.

The Bomb Squad in conjunction with other responsible divisions shall investigate all bombings, suspicious explosions, suspected explosive devices and materials, hoax devices, bomb threats, and related incidents. The Bomb Squad is also responsible for the safe transport and disposal of all suspected explosives, including ammunition of ___ caliber and above (except handgun ammunition).

Answer 35

1) senior bomb technician

2) necessary to recommend the establishment of a command post

3) .50

Question 36

Criminal Intelligence Division (CID) Responsibilities

The _____ shall be notified by the Command Center of all bombings, bomb threats, or suspected or known explosive devices or materials.

CID shall support the Bomb Squad, Homicide Division, and any other responsible divisions or law enforcement agencies in the investigation of CBRNE incidents including _____. CBRNE incidents are detailed in General Order 600-41, Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Answer 36

1) on-call CID supervisor

2) bomb threats, explosive devices, and explosions

Question 37

Criminal Intelligence Division (CID) Responsibilities

CID shall complete an _____ for the Chief of Police regarding CBRNE incidents in which a device or substance is discovered and there is a criminal intent in use. This report shall include information regarding the initial investigation; the results of any laboratory analysis performed; any local, national, or world trends; and the probability of future threats. If deemed necessary, CID shall complete an intelligence report for the Chief of Police regarding CBRNE incidents in which _____

Answer 37

1) intelligence report

2) no device or substance is discovered.

Question 38

Outside Agency Notification and Jurisdiction

Upon recommendation from the on-scene bomb technician, _____ shall be responsible for the notification of any federal law enforcement agency or other outside agency of any bomb related incidents involving their jurisdictions.

Outside agencies shall normally be in charge of the follow-up investigation involving their jurisdictions. Requests from other agencies for assistance may be approved by only the _____

Answer 38

1) Command Center personnel

2) assistant chief or designee over Homeland Security Command.

Question 39

INTERNAL THREATS

Any employee upon learning of a bomb threat against an HPD facility shall immediately notify the _____.

The _____ is responsible for implementing the emergency notification procedures as directed by General Order 200-10, Emergency Management.

The Command Center shall also notify _____.

Answer 39

1) Command Center

2) Command Center

3) ECD, Bomb Squad, and CID

Question 40

INTERNAL THREATS

An Explosive Detection K-9 Team shall be dispatched if _____. The Explosive Detection K-9 handler shall work with the on-scene supervisor and bomb technician to determine the most effective and safe way to deploy the K-9 team during the incident. The _____ shall be contacted as well as the on-duty Downtown Division supervisor. If it is after hours the _____ shall be contacted.

Answer 40

1) requested by an on-scene supervisor or a bomb technician

2) Downtown Division commander

3) Night Command Division commander

Question 41

INTERNAL THREATS

Upon notification of a bomb threat at the Edward A. Thomas Building (Police Headquarters), the commanding officer of each division or unit in the Police Headquarters building shall be responsible for _____. Upon notification of a bomb threat at any other HPD facility, the commanding officer at that facility shall be responsible for _____. The commanding officer shall utilize an Explosive Detection K-9 Team if necessary.

Answer 41

1) the search of his or her area as directed by Command Center personnel

2) search operations of the facility or area

Question 42

INTERNAL THREATS

If a suspected bomb is located on any HPD property, the _____ shall be notified immediately. The Command Center shall then follow their notification procedures including notifying the on-call bomb technician. An Explosive Detection K-9 Team shall be dispatched if requested by an on-scene supervisor or a bomb technician to help______. The possible blast radius of the initial device shall be taken into consideration when deploying a K-9 team or any additional personnel.

Answer 42

1) Command Center

2) search for secondary devices

Question 43

Authority to Evacuate

The _____ or _____ shall have the authority to begin immediate evacuation of an area in which a suspected bomb has been located. Evacuation of the danger area shall begin immediately, leaving adequate police personnel to secure the area from intruders and to direct the bomb technician to the suspected bomb.

Evacuation safety areas and evacuation procedures shall be established in accordance with SOPs as developed and approved by the _____. All divisions shall incorporate an approved evacuation procedure into their divisional SOPs.

Answer 43

1) division commander

2) most immediate supervisor in charge of the area being searched

3) Bomb Squad

Question 44

POST EXPLOSION {POST BLAST}

Officers responding to the scene of an explosion shall use caution by utilizing _____ upon approach. Post blast scenes have many dangers (e.g., unconsumed explosives, fragmentation, shrapnel, structural instability, blood-borne pathogens). A primary danger could be secondary devices placed to harm first responders.

Answer 44

distance and shielding

Question 45

POST EXPLOSION {POST BLAST}

Bombing Response Priorities {in order of importance)

a. Utilize _____ as necessary

b. _____ the wounded

c. Ensure _____

d. Preserve the _____

Answer 45

1) personal protective equipment (PPE)

2) Care for

3) public safety

4) crime scene

Question 46

POST EXPLOSION {POST BLAST}

Patrol Responsibilities

a. Establish an outer perimeter that is 50 percent farther from the blast seat than the farthest blast debris item found, but no less than _____ from the blast seat.

b. Consider immediate evacuation of victims, but _____.

c. Clear a path for EMS to exit but leave other response vehicles in place until _____

d. Contact the Command Center and request a _____

e. Attempt to utilize _____ until airborne contaminants have dissipated.

Answer 46

1) 300 feet

2) minimize time in the scene area

3) the surrounding area is cleared of hazards and evidence.

4) Bomb Squad response.

5) gas masks or respirators

Question 47

Post Incident Investigation

The Downtown Division shall initiate an incident report for any bomb related incident involving the _____. It shall be the responsibility of the Central Division to initiate an incident report for any such incident at the _____.

The Bomb Squad in conjunction with other concerned investigative divisions shall be responsible for conducting any follow-up investigations for the type of incidents outlined in this General Order.

_____ shall be the primary division for post-blast investigations involving injuries or a death.

Answer 47

1) Edward A. Thomas Building

2) Central Police Complex

3) Homicide Division

Question 48

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

All investigative and field operations shall be conducted in compliance with approved SOPs for bomb related incidents. Each unit having authority or responsibility in this area shall coordinate their SOPs with _____ to ensure a high degree of consistency, operational readiness, safety, and appropriate search procedures.

Answer 48

the Bomb Squad

Question 49

Training

Upon having their application to the FBI Hazardous Devices School accepted and prior to transferring to the HPD Tactical Operations Division, officers who have been selected as bomb technicians shall be permitted by their division commander to _____. Other training deemed necessary by the Bomb Squad commander, as well as responding (when requested) to Bomb Squad special assignments or calls for service shall be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Answer 49

attend the mandatory 40 hours of monthly training