19-10 Explosive Device Calls: Safety Procedures

Explosive Device Calls

• Purpose: to ensure safety of the public and responding members when dealing with suspected explosive device calls
• Policy: department members must follow outlined procedures with utmost caution when handling suspected explosive device calls

Precautions

• It is highly recommended to discontinue use of and turn off all electronic devices within 100 yards of the scene to avoid detonation
• Electronic devices may detonate an explosive device

Procedure

• Communications Unit:
• Advises caller to discontinue use of and turn off electronic equipment within 100 yards of the scene
• Relays all available information to responding supervisor and officer
• Notifies Patrol Bureau Office personnel, affected Division Commander, and Assistant Division Commander during business hours
• Notifies Duty Officer and affected Assistant Division Commander during non-business hours
• Responding Members:
• Proceed to the location of the reported explosive device
• Contact the person in charge of the location and advise them of the nature of the call
• Evacuate everyone from the structure and/or area, using caution not to excite the persons being evacuated
• Consider credibility/validity of the threat, complexity of the evacuation, and other factors before evacuating

Explosive Detection Dog Team (EDD)

• Responding supervisor or Assistant Division Commander determines whether to request the EDD Team to search the location
• Requests for the EDD Team are made through the dispatcher via telephone
• If an EDD Team is requested, it is not necessary to await their arrival before beginning a search
• Representatives of the structure may voluntarily assist officers by searching familiar areas, but will be instructed not to touch or move unusual items

Explosive Device Confirmed

• If a suspected explosive device is discovered, members will be aware of the possibility of secondary devices
• An assembly point at least 100 yards from the scene will be determined by the on-scene field commander/supervisor
• The assembly point will be swept and secured by members and an EDD Team with spotter for possible secondary devices
• The Bomb and Arson Section will respond and take command and control of all duties related to the explosive device
• The Communications Unit will notify the Fire Department and necessary utility companies to respond to the assembly point without delay

This quiz covers the safety procedures and precautions to follow when dealing with suspected explosive device calls, ensuring the safety of the public and responding members.