4.36.pdf

BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 4.36 BOMB THREAT/EXPLOSIVES/BOMBINGS/EXPLOSIONS: In the event of a bomb threat, explosion, or found explosive device,...

BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 4.36 BOMB THREAT/EXPLOSIVES/BOMBINGS/EXPLOSIONS: In the event of a bomb threat, explosion, or found explosive device, the Bomb Squad must be immediately notified so the appropriate actions and notifications can be made. See Sheriff’s Policy Manual subsection 11.23 Bomb Threats for procedures upon receiving a bomb threat call. A. Bomb Squad: The Bomb Squad is responsible for assessing all bomb threats and safely disarming all suspected or actual explosive devices. B. On-Scene/Bomb Threat Procedures: 1. On-Scene Procedures: a. The first deputy at the scene will contact the owners or persons in authority to decide if they want the building evacuated. Owners or persons in authority have the right to make this decision. b. If the building will be evacuated: i. The patrol supervisor will call for added assistance if needed (telephone preferred). ii. The owner or person in authority should be asked to have company employees assist in searching the building for explosive devices (maintenance or building engineers preferred). c. If the building is not evacuated: i. Permission should be obtained from the owner or person in authority to conduct a discrete search of the premises, especially restrooms and areas accessible to the public. ii. The owner or person in authority should be requested to ask maintenance employees and building engineers to assist in the search. d. Pursuant to the National Guidelines for Bomb Technicians (section 7.4), it is advisable to leave radios and cell phones on during a search without a specific suspicious item(s). Reviewed: 07/06/2023 Revised: 09/22/2023 Rescinds: 12/22/2011 Effective: 10/29/2023 4.36 Page 1 of 3  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES i. If a suspect package is identified, there should be no transmission of portable radios in the immediate vicinity and an evacuation should begin creating distance and shielding. 2. Bomb threats or actual bombings will be documented on the Incident Reports. 3. Reports will be titled "Bomb Threats" or "Bombing." C. Found explosive device(s), suspected explosive device(s), suspicious item(s), and/or hazardous item(s) (substance, chemical, or unknown): 1. Deputies will not touch or disturb the object nor allow any unauthorized person to do so. 2. Deputies will immediately notify the on-scene supervisor who will: a. Request the Bomb Squad b. Request Fire Rescue to respond on standby in case persons are injured on the scene c. Advise and update the shift commander of further developments d. Order mandatory evacuation of all non-essential persons within a 300 feet radius e. Inspect the evacuee area and command post area for possible additional explosive devices. D. Bomb Squad/ Bomb Technician: The Bomb Technician, upon arrival, will be responsible for the scene. On-scene supervisors will coordinate support services as required. E. Bombing and Explosions (Actual): 1. Upon being dispatched and arriving on the scene of a bombing or explosion, many factors will determine the employee’s next course of action. The employee must bear in mind the scene is a crime scene and other hazards may still be present. These may include the use of chemical reaction devices (e.g., acid and Reviewed: 07/06/2023 Revised: 09/22/2023 Rescinds: 12/22/2011 Effective: 10/29/2023 4.36 Page 2 of 3  BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES dry-ice bombs), injuries involving fireworks, or explosions of unknown sources. The Bomb Squad must be immediately notified so that appropriate actions and notifications can be made. 2. Other activities at the scene: a. Lifesaving: If there are injuries, Fire Rescue personnel will need to treat and remove victims from the blast scene. Following the removal of all viable victims, the scene will then be secured until Bomb Technicians can ensure the scene is safe for investigative follow-up. b. Criminal/Property Damage Investigation: Other than an active fire (that will be suppressed by Fire Rescue personnel) the scene will be secured until Bomb Technicians can ensure the scene is safe for investigative follow-up. c. The Bomb Squad will conduct a post-blast investigation and provide technical expertise for investigators of the Agency, the State Fire Marshall’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), United States Postal Inspector, or whatever agency is deemed the lead investigator. Reviewed: 07/06/2023 Revised: 09/22/2023 Rescinds: 12/22/2011 Effective: 10/29/2023 4.36 Page 3 of 3