Boca Raton Police Bomb Squad SOP PDF

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure 46.12 BOMB SQUAD, BOMB THREATS, AND INCIDENT RESPONSE Revised: March 21, 2022 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to establish guidelines for the operation of the Department’s Bomb Squad and outline the...

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure 46.12 BOMB SQUAD, BOMB THREATS, AND INCIDENT RESPONSE Revised: March 21, 2022 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to establish guidelines for the operation of the Department’s Bomb Squad and outline the procedures for handling bomb threats and incidents. II. BOMB SQUAD: A. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. It is the intent of the Department to provide a highly trained and skilled team as a resource in the handling of incidents involving suspected explosive devices, crime scenes resulting from activated explosive devices, and dignitary protection. 2. The Bomb Squad supports the Department and any other requesting law enforcement agency (when allowed by agency policy) with a tactical response to critical incidents. Critical incidents are defined as follows: a. Render Safe Procedures: The response to suspected explosive devices and Weapons of Mass Destruction incidents. b. Post Blast Investigations: The investigation of activated devices. c. Personal Protection: The security of special persons, such as VIP’s, witnesses, or suspects, based on threat or potential threat to the well-being of those persons. d. Disposal Procedures: The disposal of explosive items. e. Special Assignments: Any assignment, approved by the chief of police or Bomb Squad Commander, based upon the level of threat or the need for a special expertise. B. COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE: 1. The Boca Raton Police Services Department’s Bomb Squad is comprised of a minimum of two (2) police officers. The descriptions and duties of each position within the Bomb Squad are as follows: Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 1 of 13 a. Bomb Squad Commander: i. Shall be appointed by the chief of police. ii. Must be a graduate of the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School (HDS) and maintain current HDS Certification. iii. Must maintain the designation of Bomb Squad Commander through the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board. iv. Must attend and participate, as time allows, in team training sessions. v. Shall be responsible for the overall command of the team. vi. Shall be responsible for ensuring that all team members receive sufficient training and certification. vii. Shall appoint an acting commander in times of absence. viii. Shall carry, and have activated, his/her department issued cellular phone. ix. Shall be responsible for complying with all Departmental rules/regulations, policy and procedures, and written directives. x. b. Shall be subject to call-out at any time. Certified Team Member: i. Must be a graduate of the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School (HDS) and maintain current HDS Certification. ii. Shall be responsible for all duties and assignments delegated by the Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee. iii. Must attend and participate, as time allows, in team training sessions unless prior approval is obtained from the Bomb Squad commander. iv. Shall be responsible for complying with all Departmental rules/regulations, policy and procedures, and written directives. v. Shall be subject to call-out at any time. vi. Shall be required to carry, and have activated, his/her department issued cellular phone. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 2 of 13 vii. Shall be required to notify the Bomb Squad commander in writing, through the Squad’s chain-of-command, when unavailable for call-out. c. Non-Certified Member: i. Must be awaiting attendance at the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School (HDS). ii. Must not participate in the rendering safe and or transportation of any actual explosive devices. iii. Shall be responsible for all duties and assignments delegated by the Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee. iv. Must attend and participate, as time allows, in team training sessions unless prior approval is obtained from the Bomb Squad commander. v. Shall be responsible for complying with all Departmental rules/regulations, policy and procedures, and written directives. vi. Shall be subject to call-out at any time. vii. Shall be required to carry, and have activated, his/her Department issued cellular phone. viii. Shall be required to notify the Bomb Squad commander in writing, through the Squad’s chain-of-command, when unavailable for call-out. C. COMMAND CONTROL AND STRUCTURE: 1. The Department’s Bomb Squad reports to a division commander. 2. When activated for an operation, the Bomb Squad commander, or his/her designee reports directly to the incident commander, where one has been designated, or to the on-scene supervisor. 3. The Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee is responsible for deployment of the Bomb Squad, tactical decision-making, and tactical resolution of the incident. 17.08 4. The Bomb Squad commander is subordinate to the Incident Commander only in terms of when the tactical option will be initiated, not how it will be performed. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 3 of 13 D. ACTIVATION PROCESS: 1. Bomb Squad activations take precedence over all other assignments within the Department. Bomb Squad members become subordinate to the Bomb Squad commander until the Bomb Squad commander determines that the activation is over. 17.08 2. The watch commander has the authority to immediately activate the Bomb Squad for any critical incident within the jurisdictional boundaries. 17.08 a. The activation will commence when the responsible watch commander contacts the Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee and briefs the Bomb Squad commander on the incident. 17.08 b. The Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee will utilize Communications Section employees to call out Bomb Squad members. 17.08 c. The Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee will request support from Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services Department’s HazMat Team when responding to suspected devices and other calls as deemed necessary. 17.07, 17.08 3. The Department’s Bomb Squad is available, with the approval of the chief of police, to respond and assist any law enforcement agency requesting assistance. a. When a request for the Bomb Squad is received, it shall be immediately forwarded to the Bomb Squad commander who will determine if in fact the situation warrants the activation of the Bomb Squad. b. If the situation warrants the activation of the Bomb Squad, the Bomb Squad commander will contact the chief of police or his/her designee and will request permission for activation. c. Once permission is granted, the activation will follow standard procedures. 4. Any division or bureau within the Department may request the assistance of the Bomb Squad in planning or conducting appropriate operations. a. The division commander or his/her designee will contact the Bomb Squad commander with the request. b. The Bomb Squad commander, if approving the request, will then follow the above-described procedures for activation. E. SELECTION PROCESS: 17.08 1. The Department’s Bomb Squad will select prospective members using the Transfer Selection Board process for specialty teams as outlined in the Agreement between the City of Boca Raton and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 4 of 13 2. The Department’s Bomb Squad will select all prospective members from a list created through applicant testing. Ranking will be based on the following: a. A review of Departmental employee file. b. suit. He/she demonstrated the ability to perform basic functions in a bomb c. He/she successfully completed an oral interview. d. He/she has the ability to meet requirements set forth by the FBI for HDS attendance, including passing a medical and background check. 3. A team member may be removed, without cause, when deemed necessary for the good of the Squad by the Bomb Squad commander and approval by the Bomb Squad’s assigned division commander. F. TRAINING STANDARDS: 17.08 1. The Department’s Bomb Squad will conduct training a minimum of 16 hours per month. The Department’s Bomb Squad will train on appropriate subjects related to the mission of the Bomb Squad. 2. All training will be documented, and training records will be maintained in accordance with state law requirements. 3. All training will be performance-oriented, provide equipment familiarity, and be Bomb Squad task specific. 4. Individual team members will graduate from HDS and maintain current certification. 5. Team members shall maintain membership in the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI). Representatives of the team shall attend IABTI Conferences on an annual basis. 6. The training program will also include regular updates on legal issues facing Bomb Squad operations. G. UNIFORMS: 1. Team uniforms shall consist of the Class C uniform and equipment as outlined in Departmental Standards Directive 26.200 Appearance of Personnel. 2. The Bomb Squad commander shall approve all other items of personal wear or equipment. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 5 of 13 H. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS: 17.07, 17.08 1. The Department’s Bomb Squad team members will be supplied with at least the following equipment: I. a. Ballistic helmet b. Protective goggles c. Hearing protection d. Ballistic vest e. Tactical holster and belt f. BDU pants and shirts g. Tactical boots h. Gear bag i. Chemical agent mask j. Bomb suit compliant SCBA mask k. Knife / Crimper kit l. Cellular phone m. Gloves/hoods n. Tactical flashlight SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 17.07 1. Recognizing that the missions of the Department’s Bomb Squad are performed in a hazardous environment, and recognizing that the safety of innocent civilians, officers, and suspects is often jeopardized by the hazardous conditions, it shall be the intent of the Department’s Bomb Squad to utilize special equipment, as listed below, in an attempt to lessen the risk of injury or death to all involved during the performance of a Bomb Squad operation. These items, at a minimum, shall be stored on the Bomb Squad Response Vehicle: 14.02, 17.08 a. Robot b. Bomb Suits (2) c. SCBA (2) d. X-ray Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 6 of 13 e. Render Safe Procedure tools f. Laptop g. Hand tools h. AED 2. The Bomb Squad commander will ensure that only those Bomb Squad members properly trained and certified in the use of the special equipment will utilize the equipment. 3. The Bomb Squad commander will be responsible for establishing the certification standards and criteria for the team. 4. The use of the special equipment in no way implies or guarantees that injury or death will not occur during a Bomb Squad operation. J. DOCUMENTATION OF ACTIVATION: 1. The Department’s Bomb Squad commander will cause an agency report to be generated detailing the activation and use of the team. 2. This report will be a standard police report which details the operation and pertinent information required for follow-up investigators, prosecutors, etc. K. AFTER-ACTION CRITIQUE: 1. At the completion of all significant operations the Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee will conduct an after-action review. The purpose of this review will be to create a forum for team members to offer information for the improvement of the team. The after-action report will be formatted to develop the following information: L. a. Overview of incident b. Positive factors c. Negative factors d. Solutions for the negative factors CAREER DEVELOPMENT: 1. Bomb Squad members are eligible to attend additional training as follows: a. ATF Advanced Explosives b. FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 7 of 13 c. Boca Raton Fire Dept. Hazardous Materials Operations d. Bombs and Explosive Devices Investigation School e. Florida Fire Academy Basic Arson School f. Any other training approved by the chief of police III. BOMB THREATS AND INCIDENT RESPONSE: 17.08 A. BOMB THREATS: 17.07 1. Department employees who receive bomb threats shall attempt to ask the questions found on the Bomb Threat Information Card (see Appendix A) to elicit information from callers. The cards are located near Department telephones. 2. Upon receiving a bomb threat, the Department employee shall notify his/her supervisor and report the threat by dialing 911 or contacting the Communications Section. B. ON-SCENE LEO RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. As soon as an LEO arrives at the location of a bomb threat, he/she shall contact the person in charge of the threatened target and the person who received the threat. The LEO handling the call should interview the recipient of the threat and anyone else at the scene who has knowledge of the threat or any situation that would assist in determining whether the threat is general or specific. 17.07 2. Although any decision to evacuate is solely the decision of the people in charge of the location where the threat has been made, the LEO at the scene should assist the person in charge of the threat target. 17.07 3. If an evacuation of the premises is performed, LEOs at the scene should assist to ensure that it is performed quickly and safely. 17.07 4. People evacuated should be a minimum of 300 feet from the target location and away from glass windows, in case of an explosion, to minimize any blast pressure or fragmentation-type injuries. 17.07 C. BOMB SEARCHES: 17.07 1. People, who are familiar with the location, should perform searches of buildings or locations where a bomb threat has been received. 2. LEOs should instruct searchers not to touch or move any suspicious items and to report suspicious items or packages immediately. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 8 of 13 3. LEOs should refrain from getting involved in the actual search for a device; however, if the LEO feels it is necessary to search, he/she should proceed as follows: a. Contact his/her supervisor to advise him/her of the situation and his/her need to assist in the search. b. Request that additional LEOs respond to assist in the search, as LEOs should not search alone for a device. D. RADIO USAGE: 17.07 1. LEOs at the scene of a bomb threat or suspected explosive device should never turn off his/her two-way radios. The following radio procedures should be followed: a. LEOs at the scene of a threat or suspected device should not transmit from inside the building or vehicle being searched. b. Telephone communication to Dispatch is preferred unless it is an absolute emergency. c. No radio transmission should be made within 30 feet of a suspected device. d. Should the individuals at the location of the call have his/her own security personnel or other people with two-way radios, he/she should be instructed to follow the Department radio procedure. E. SUSPECTED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES: 17.08 1. If an LEO responds to a location where a suspected explosive has been located or if a device is found during a search, the following procedure should be followed: 17.07 a. Ensure that no one touches or moves the suspect device. b. Ensure that everyone is evacuated from the immediate area. c. Notify Communications Section employees to have the Bomb Squad respond. F. ON-SCENE LEO DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 17.08 1. The on-scene LEO shall perform the following duties: a. Secure and control access into the area and/or the structure. A 300-foot perimeter should be established around the suspect device or area of concern. 17.07 b. Avoid physical contact with, close examination of, or any movement of suspect ordnance unless you are a member of the Bomb Squad. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 9 of 13 c. Advise Communications Section employees if the Bomb Squad is needed. d. Provide Communications Section employees with information on the situation/device, including the incident risk potential and the following: i. No immediate hazard to persons or property, e.g., suspect ordnance located on vacant property at a safe distance from persons, animals, or structures. ii. No immediate hazard to persons, however, potential hazard exists to structures or other property, e.g., suspect ordnance located in or near a structure or vehicle with persons a safe distance away. iii. Potential hazard to life, e.g., suspect ordnance located in a populated area or in a building that cannot be evacuated. 2. If a suspicious item/device is not located during the search by the owner or manager, the watch commander/Road Patrol supervisor will make a decision regarding the response of the Bomb Squad and/or the K-9 team specializing in explosives. 3. If the property is a high-profile area, such as an airport, federal building, etc., a K9 team specializing in explosives and the Bomb Squad will be notified 4. LEOs shall remain at his/her assigned posts and no employees other than Bomb Squad members shall be permitted to approach the suspect ordnance. 5. All radio-equipped units shall refrain from using or keying radio transmitter equipment or using cellular telephones within 30 feet of a suspected explosive device. 6. Department employees shall advise owners and/or managers of private businesses of potential hazards, but the business owners or managers shall make the decision to close businesses or to evacuate personnel unless otherwise directed by competent authority. G. BOMB SQUAD RESPONSE: 1. The Bomb Squad will respond to any situation where explosives or suspected explosive devices have been located with the authorization of the watch commander. 2. Upon arrival of the Bomb Squad, a bomb technician will take charge of the scene and coordinate any additional equipment or assistance through the on-scene supervisor. 3. The Bomb Squad will follow Render Safe Procedures as set forth by the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School. 4. If the Bomb Squad is not available for a call-out, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office EOD Unit will be requested to respond. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 10 of 13 5. Upon the arrival of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office EOD Unit, that unit shall be allowed to assume control of the scene and will be assisted by Department LEOs and supervisors and will follow his/her own procedures. 6. Any time a technician works on a suspected explosive device, the Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services Department’s paramedics will be requested to stand by at a safe location. 17.07 H. BOMB SQUAD RESPONSIBILITIES: 17.08 1. Upon notification of the discovery of a suspected device, the Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee shall ascertain the specific location and incident risk potential and shall cause the Bomb Squad to respond to the location of the suspected device in a manner appropriate with attendant risk. 2. If the Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee cannot be contacted, requests for the Bomb Squad shall be referred to other Bomb Squad members. 3. Bomb Squad members shall respond in a safe, expeditious manner to suspected device calls unless specifically directed to respond in an emergency status by the Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee. 4. Upon arrival at the scene, the Bomb Squad shall follow established protocol and complete the following actions: 17.07 a. Evaluate the suspect device and, if possible, render it safe. b. Separate hazardous materials for transport. c. Transport hazardous materials to a disposal area. d. Coordinate events with Fire Rescue Services. 17.07 5. When the suspect device and/or hazardous materials cannot be rendered safe or safely separated at the site, the following steps should be taken: a. Suspect device/hazardous material shall be placed inside the Bomb Squad Trailer. b. A bomb transport convoy, to transport the suspect device to a safe location, shall be comprised of the following vehicles: i. A marked patrol vehicle equipped with emergency lights, siren, and public address system. ii. The Bomb Squad Response Vehicle/Trailer. iii. A fire fighting vehicle with vehicle-mounted fire-fighting equipment. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 11 of 13 6. The Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee shall establish a safe travel route that avoids all heavily populated areas and overpasses as possible. 7. The Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee shall oversee the transport and disposal of the suspect device and conduct a post blast investigation or evaluation of suspect device. 8. The Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee will coordinate with investigators, specialists, and crime scene employees regarding collection of evidence and any suspect information. I. POST-BLAST RESPONSE: 17.07 1. First responder and/or Fire Rescue Services employees will take emergency action to remove the injured to a safe area prior to treatment. 17.07 2. Other than first responders, LEOs shall secure and control access to the area and/or building surrounding the scene of the explosion. 3. LEOs will maintain a 500-foot perimeter around the explosion site. 17.07 4. Upon arrival at the scene, the Bomb Squad commander will meet with the incident commander. 5. The Bomb Squad commander will evaluate the situation and the scene security and notify the incident commander if changes are needed. 6. Authorized Bomb Squad members and explosive detection K-9 teams will conduct a search for secondary devices. No other employees shall be permitted to enter the search area unless cleared by the Bomb Squad commander. 7. Although an area has been declared safe, authorized employees who enter the scene should maintain a high degree of caution. Any unusual observations should be immediately reported to Bomb Squad members. J. REPORTING PROCEDURES: 1. Following an incident in which the Bomb Squad is used: a. The Bomb Squad commander or his/her designee shall submit a log entry describing the incident to the Bomb Squad’s assigned division commander. b. A bomb technician assigned to the investigation shall originate an Incident Report. c. Any other employees who assisted with the investigation will initiate a Supplemental Report. Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 12 of 13 IV. RECOVERED MATERIALS: A. All recovered, or turned in dangerous chemicals, fireworks and explosives shall be documented as outlined in Departmental Standards Directive 84.100 Property and Evidence Management. As well as any transfers to laboratories or external agencies. Approved: Michele Miuccio Chief of Police Effective: February 1, 2008 Revised: March 21, 2022 Date: Bomb Squad, Bomb Threats, and Incident Response SOP No. 46.12 Page 13 of 13