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, & ultimately convicting suspected criminals. For this reason, it is essential that the evidence be collected in a professional manner that will yield successful lab. analyses. This Guide will raise the standard of practice in explosion & bombing investigations of both small & large scale, in both rural & urban jurisdictions. Seasoned professionals worked together for two years to develop this consensus of recommended practices for public safety.

Now in its second edition, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation explores the investigative process that improvised explosive device (IED) specialists undertake at the scene of an explosion. Providing easy-to-understand, step-by-step procedures for managing and processing a bomb scene, it enables investigators to find the evidence and then make sense of what is found. The book is not only a roadmap of knowledge on how to find and collect evidence, but also an instructional guide on how to safely and effectively assess the scene. New in this Edition: Information on detonation pressure and its effects on the body Instructions on how to collect additional information from the scene in order to provide an estimate of the explosives weight of the IED A glossary for a more in-depth understanding of the terms associated with explosives and the investigation processes A greatly expanded IED component identification chapter A chapter on how to expeditiously investigate a post-blast scene in a hostile environment Information on how to prepare an Investigative Report

This is a guide to recommended practices for crime scene investigation. The guide is presented in five major sections, with sub-sections as noted: (1) Arriving at the Scene: Initial Response/Prioritization of Efforts (receipt of information, safety procedures, emergency care, secure and control persons at the scene, boundaries, turn over control of the scene and brief investigator/s in charge, document actions and observations); (2) Preliminary Documentation and Evaluation of the Scene (scene assessment, "walk-through" and initial documentation); (3) Processing the Scene (team composition, contamination control, documentation and prioritize, collect, preserve, inventory, package, transport, and submit evidence); (4) Completing and Recording the Crime Scene Investigation (establish debriefing team, perform final survey, document the scene); and (5) Crime Scene Equipment (initial responding officers, investigator/evidence technician, evidence collection kits).

Now in its Third Edition, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation explores the investigative process that improvised explosive device (IED) specialists undertake at the scene of an explosion. Providing easy-to-understand, step-by-step procedures for managing and processing a bomb scene, it enables investigators to find the evidence and then make sense of what is found. The book is not only a roadmap on how to find and collect evidence and assess the scene, but also provides instruction on identifying the bombmaker's signature through latent print, DNA, explosive residue, metallurgical, and toolmark examination and forensic analysis.

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

This is an up-to-date compendium of two Department of Justice (DOJ) publications relating to explosion and bombing scenes and other acts of domestic terrorism. These are vital references and superb sources of official information, with practical emergency information and guidance.GUIDE FOR EXPLOSION AND BOMBING SCENE INVESTIGATION - This guide provides 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 Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, to those that attract less attention and fewer resources but may be just as complex for the investigator. Sections of the guide include: Procuring Equipment and Tools; Prioritizing Initial Response Efforts; Evaluating the Scene; Documenting the Scene; Processing Evidence at the Scene; Completing and Recording the Scene Investigation. It includes sample forms that can be adapted for use as needed: Consent to Search, Access Control Log, Activity Log, Narrative Description, Photographic Log, Evidence Recovery Log, Evidence Control and Chain of Custody. EMERGENCY RESPONDER GUIDELINES - This document was produced by the Office of Justice Programs, Office for Domestic Preparedness. Public safety agencies must confront the terrible potential of terrorism involving the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). A chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear, or explosive/ incendiary attack would pose unprecedented challenges for police, fire, emergency medical service, and emergency management personnel--the nation's first line of defense. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) was established in 1998 to help provide training to first responders across the nation as part of an integrated program that also includes the provision of specialized equipment, exercises, and technical assistance. The objective of those efforts, each of which contributes to the greater whole, is to enhance responder capacity. To help provide America's response community with a baseline understanding of the training necessary to effectively and safely respond to an act of terrorism involving the use of WMD, the ODP has prepared these Emergency Responder Guidelines. These Guidelines are offered not as definitive or official regulations, but rather as the informed advice of subject-matter experts from both the private and public sectors. These Guidelines are intended to be a tool for first responders seeking to improve their training and master their craft, reflecting a step-by-step progression from Awareness through Performance to Planning and Management. Contents include: First Responder Guidelines; Awareness Level Guidelines; Law Enforcement; Fire Service; Emergency Medical Services; Emergency Management; Public Works; Performance Level Guidelines; Law Enforcement; Fire Service; Emergency Medical Services; Hazardous Materials; Public Works; Planning And Management Level Guidelines; Law Enforcement; Fire Service; Emergency Medical Services; Hazardous Materials; Emergency Management; Public Works; Skilled Support And Specialist Employees; Glossary Of Terms; Training Courses By Offering Agency

A guide on procedures, administration, and equipment, Bombs, IEDs, and Explosives: Identification, Investigation, and Disposal Techniques introduces concepts, basic knowledge, and necessary skill sets for bomb technicians. It covers topics such as training resources, bomb threat and incident response, legal aspects of bomb disposal, explosives and

Criminal profiling, cyberforensics, accident reconstruction. Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques is the first introductory text to present forensic science in its broadest sense, encompassing classic criminalistics and beyond. Packed with over 350 full-color illustrations, the book offers a cutting-ed