November 1, 2004 To establish policy and procedure for the handling of Improvised Explosive Devices and other explosive related events.

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Atlanta Police Department

Policy Manual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Operating

Procedure

 

Effective Date

October 26, 2010

 

APD.SOP.3182

Bomb Squad

Applicable To: All sworn employees

Approval Authority:  Chief George N. Turner

Signature:  Signed by GNT

Date Signed:  10/20/10

 

  Table of Contents    
 

1.          Purpose  PAGEREF _Toc275847842 \h 1

2.          Policy   PAGEREF _Toc275847843 \h 1

3.          Responsibilities  PAGEREF _Toc275847844 \h 1

4.          Action  PAGEREF _Toc275847845 \h 3

4.1           Qualifications and Selection  PAGEREF _Toc275847846 \h 3

4.2           Training  PAGEREF _Toc275847847 \h 4

4.3           Equipment PAGEREF _Toc275847848 \h 5

4.4           Physical Examinations  PAGEREF _Toc275847849 \h 6

4.5           General Procedures  PAGEREF _Toc275847850 \h 7

4.6           Bomb Response Principles  PAGEREF _Toc275847851 \h 7

4.7           Essential Equipment To Use On Suspicious Items  PAGEREF _Toc275847852 \h 8

4.7.2        Robot: PAGEREF _Toc275847853 \h 8

 

4.7.3        Bomb suit: PAGEREF _Toc275847854 \h 8

4.7.4        X-ray: PAGEREF _Toc275847855 \h 8

4.10         Response to Suspect Devices  PAGEREF _Toc275847856 \h 9

4.10.1      Initial Actions: PAGEREF _Toc275847857 \h 9

4.10.2      Life threatening Situation: PAGEREF _Toc275847858 \h 9

4.10.3      Non-Life threatening Situation: PAGEREF _Toc275847859 \h 9

4.10.4      Final Actions: PAGEREF _Toc275847860 \h 10

4.10.5      Post Blast Scene: PAGEREF _Toc275847861 \h 10

4.11         Bomb Canine  PAGEREF _Toc275847862 \h 10

5.          Definitions  PAGEREF _Toc275847863 \h 11

6.          Cancellations  PAGEREF _Toc275847864 \h 11

7.          References  PAGEREF _Toc275847865 \h 11

 

1.               Purpose

 

To establish policy and procedure for the handling of Improvised Explosive Devices and other explosive related events.

 

2.               Policy

 

The Atlanta Police Department’s Bomb Squads shall assist in the rendering safe, removal, and disposal of suspect or explosive devices and the investigation of post-blast incidents. The SOS Bomb Squad shall have primary responsibility throughout the City. The Airport Bomb Squad shall have primary responsibility at the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

 

3.               Responsibilities

 

3.1              The Airport Section commander is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this directive as it concerns the Airport Bomb Squad.

 

3.2              The Special Operations Section commander is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this directive as it concerns the SOS Bomb Squad.

 

3.3              The Airport Section Bomb Squad has primary responsibility at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and shall:

 

1.    Render safe and/ or remove suspected improvised explosive devices (IED), incendiary devices, explosives as currently defined by the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Pyrotechnics, and ammunition.

 

2.    Provide for legal, proper, and safe Transportation, disposal and/ or storage of explosives and other items referred to above.

 

3.    Conduct post-blast crime scene investigations as well as collecting and preserving evidence.

 

4.    Provide maintenance and inventory of all the Bomb Squad Airport equipment.

 

5.    Provide technical and tactical support to Atlanta Police Department’s Special Operations Section, VIP/Dignitary, and maintain professional liaison with other state and local Bomb Squads, Military EOD units, Federal Agencies, and professional associations.

 

6.    Provide instruction to law enforcement personnel on explosive related incidents and participate in explosive related training, schools, and seminars as well as Bomb Threat Awareness classes for public and private organizations.

 

7.    Maintain and be familiar with a technical library of the Bomb data Center publications and other explosive related material.

 

8.    Compile and report technical data on explosive devices and incidents.

 

9.    Develop departmental emergency response plans for a bomb threat, actual improvised explosive devices, WMD, and bombing crime scene.

 

10.  Report found or recovered military ordnance to military EOD units.

 

11.  Contact and assist the Atlanta Fire Department Haz-mat Unit and support the Haz-mat Unit in bomb or explosive related incidents involving WMD’s.

 

3.4              The SOS Bomb Squad has primary responsibility in the City of Atlanta and shall:

 

1.    Render safe and/ or remove suspected improvised explosive devices (IED), incendiary devices, explosives as currently defined by the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Pyrotechnics, and ammunition.

 

2.    Provide for legal, proper, and safe Transportation, disposal and/ or storage of explosives and other items referred to above.

 

3.    Conduct post-blast crime scene investigations as well as collecting and preserving evidence.

 

4.    Provide maintenance and inventory of all the Bomb Squad equipment.

 

5.    Provide technical and tactical support to Atlanta Police Department’s Airport Section, VIP/Dignitary, and maintain professional liaison with other state and local Bomb Squads, Military EOD units, Federal Agencies, and professional associations.

 

6.    Provide instruction to law enforcement personnel on explosive related incidents and participate in explosive related training, schools, and seminars as well as Bomb Threat Awareness classes for public and private organizations.

 

7.    Maintain and be familiar with a technical library of the Bomb data Center publications and other explosive related material.

 

8.    Compile and report technical data on explosive devices and incidents.

 

9.    Develop departmental emergency response plans for a bomb threat, actual improvised explosive devices, WMD, and bombing crime scene.

 

10.  Report found of recovered military ordnance to military EOD units.

 

11.  Contact and assist the Atlanta Fire Department Haz-mat Unit and support the Haz-mat Unit in bomb or explosive related incidents involving WMD’s.

 

3.5              Bomb technicians are responsible for the Render Safe Procedure (RSP), removal, or disposal of all Suspect Devices and the maintenance and inspection of all Bomb Squad equipment.

 

3.6              Bomb Canine Handlers are responsible for assisting Bomb technicians as necessary and for the maintenance and inspection of all canine equipment.

 

4.               Action

 

4.1              Qualifications and Selection

 

4.1.1           The appointment and selection of employees to the Bomb Squad shall be voluntary and in accordance with APD.SOP.2101 Specialized and Temporary Assignments.

 

4.1.2           The following minimum qualifications must be met for bomb technicians:

 

1.    Five years experience as a sworn police officer;

 

2.    Satisfactory or better performance evaluations for the previous three full years;

 

3.    Good standing with the Police Department with no history of discipline problems, or sustained complaints for the previous three full years;

 

4.    Current and past job performance and reviews must not show any indications of an impulsive or rebellious attitude;

 

5.    Reviews and job performance must show the applicant to be responsible and mature in his/her job performance and character;

 

6.    Show an interest in technical endeavors;

 

7.    Successful completion of a physical examination;

 

8.    Successful completion of a background check;

 

9.    Successful completion of physical tasks while wearing a bomb suit; and

 

10.  Successful completion of a panel interview with the members of the Bomb Squad;

 

11.  Shall be willing to commit to the Bomb Tech Program for a minimum of three years.

 

4.1.3           The following minimum qualifications must be met for canine handlers:

 

1.    Five years experience as a sworn police officer;

 

2.    Satisfactory or better performance evaluations for the previous three full years;

 

3.    Good standing with the Police Department with no history of discipline problems, or sustained complaints for the previous three full years.

 

4.    Current and past job performance and reviews must not show any indications of an impulsive or rebellious attitude.

 

5.    Reviews and job performance must show the applicant to be responsible and mature in his/her job performance and character.

 

6.    Successful completion of a panel interview;

 

7.    Willingness to commit to the program for a minimum of five years; and

 

8.    Any other requirements as defined by the cooperative agreement between the Department of Transportation, Transportation Security Administration and the Airport Section.

 

4.2              Training

 

4.2.1           After being selected for the position of Bomb Technician, the officer must complete all Department approved and required courses of instruction at the FBI Hazardous Devices School, and must maintain certification and complete all required training.

 

4.2.2           Initial training shall include, but is not limited to:

 

1.    Hazardous Materials Technician course as outlined by the FBI Hazardous Devices requirements;

 

2.    Basic Bomb Technician training at the Hazardous Devices School (HDS);

 

4.2.3           Bomb Technicians shall serve as apprentices for one year after graduating from HDS, with the Senior Bomb Tech monitoring his/her performance. During this time they shall not handle bomb related calls by themselves and must have a Senior Bomb Tech with them during the call.

 

4.2.4           On-going in-house training should consist of a minimum of 20 hours per month of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) related training.

 

4.2.5           Bomb Technicians are encouraged to attend schools, conferences, intelligence meetings, seminars and post-blast investigation classes.

 

4.2.6           Bomb Technicians are required to maintain proficiency in RSP procedures and the use of all Bomb Squad Equipment.

 

4.2.7           Bomb Technicians are required to maintain certification by completing the FBI Hazardous Devices School Refresher courses every three years.

 

4.2.8           Bomb Technicians who do not maintain qualification or training standards shall be placed on a six months probationary period.

 

1.    If after six months, the person does not comply with qualifications or training standards, he or she shall be removed from the Bomb Squad as directed by the SOS commander or his/her designee.
 

2.    Bomb Squad members currently assigned to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport must continue to comply with the requirements as outlined in this directive. Failure to comply by current members shall be reviewed by the Bomb Squad Commander for final disposition, to include separation from the Squad if approved by the Airport Section Commander and the Chief of Police.

 

4.2.9           Canine handlers must successfully complete the prescribed Transportation Security Administration canine training course and meet any additional requirements of a canine handler.  (CALEA 5th Edition 41.1.4 b, c)

 

4.3              Equipment

 

4.3.1           Explosive Response Truck (CALEA 5th Edition 41.1.3 a – d)

 

1.    The Explosive Response Truck is the primary vehicle used by bomb technicians on calls for service. The Atlanta Police Department shall make every effort to ensure the safety of citizens and police employees by deploying the Explosive Response Van to assist in the rendering safe, removal, and disposal of suspect or explosive devices and post-blast incidents investigations. (CALEA 5th. Edition 41.1.3 a)

 

2.    Only employees authorized by the Airport or SOS commander may operate the Explosive Response Truck in compliance with APD.SOP.3150 “Vehicle Management.” (CALEA 5th Edition 41.1.3 b)

 

3.    All operators of the Explosive Response Truck shall be in possession of a valid Georgia driver’s license and their issued employee identification card. (CALEA 5th. Edition 41.1.3 b)

 

4.    The Airport and SOS commanders are responsible for the maintenance and inventory of the Explosive Response Truck. For each deployment, the operator of the vehicle should complete a Daily Activity Sheet (Form APD-607) and note on the back any mechanical problems with the vehicle. (CALEA 5th Edition 41.1.3 c)

 

5.    The Airport and SOS commanders or his/her designees shall develop and maintain an inventory of the equipment to be kept in the Explosive Response Truck.  The inventory shall be documented on the Maintenance and Inventory Check List (Form APD-686).  (CALEA 5th Edition 41.1.3 d)

 

4.3.2           The Bomb Squad shall maintain the following equipment at a minimum;

 

1.    A bomb total containment vesicle (TCV);

 

2.    Two percussion actuated non-electric (P.A.N) disruptor;

 

3.    Bomb Tech Tools (etc. hand tools, demolition kit, rigging equipment);

 

4.    At least one remote controlled bomb robot;

 

5.    Two full protective body bomb suit;

 

6.    At least one portable bomb x-ray unit system;

 

7.    Radiation Detector;

 

8.    Two CBRNE/ WMD protective suits compatible with SCBA; and

 

9.    Access to an approved explosive storage magazine

 

4.3.3           The Bomb canine handler shall maintain the following equipment at a minimum (CALEA 5th. Edition 41.1.4 d):

 

1.    Vehicle equipment for canine use

 

2.    Vehicle kennel with padding

 

3.    Hot Dog System (fan, door release, auto window controller, remote)

 

4.    Tinted windows

 

5.    Power windows and locks

 

6.    First aid kit

 

7.    Water and water bowl for canine

 

8.    Leashes

 

9.    Training collar

 

10.  Training reward

 

11.  Muzzle

 

12.  Grooming brush

 

4.3.4           The Bomb Squad shall also maintain any additional specialized equipment as necessary and appropriate.

 

4.4              Physical Examinations

 

4.4.1           All Bomb Squad members must undergo a routine physical examination to determine if he/she has been exposed to toxic or hazardous chemicals or materials, and to determine any health problems or risks associated with the wearing of the bomb suit.

 

4.4.2           A file shall be maintained on each Bomb Squad member’s exposure to explosive materials and chemicals, or other hazardous materials, including smoke or gaseous vapors.  The form used shall be marked as “Exposure Sheet”. The file shall be marked “Priority File” and shall be kept on file with the Atlanta Bomb Squad indefinitely.

4.5              General Procedures

 

4.5.1           The directives and guidelines of the Bomb Squad members are made by the Bomb Squad Commander (the highest ranking bomb technician assigned to the unit and certified through the FBI Hazardous Devices School). This shall not supersede the approval of the Chief of Police, his/her designee, or the SOS and Airport Section Commanders.

 

4.5.2           All Bomb Squad members shall be subject to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Communications section shall be provided with a list of Bomb Technicians and contact telephone numbers. The Bomb Squad supervisor or his designee shall be notified immediately of any bomb or explosive related incident.

 

4.5.3           Bomb Squad members shall not respond to a bomb threat incident unless extenuating circumstances exist.

 

4.5.4           The Bomb Squad shall prioritize operational procedures as follows:

 

1.    Safety of the general public.

 

2.    Safety of other Police Officers on the scene (Including Bomb techs on the scene).

 

3.    Protection and preservation of public and private property.

 

4.    Collection and preservation of evidence.

 

5.    Convenience to public and restoration of services.

 

4.6              Bomb Response Principles

 

4.6.1           Once Communications has contacted the Bomb Squad, the closest Bomb Tech shall respond to the bomb call to gather intelligence on the suspect device and determine where the bomb equipment shall be needed.

 

4.6.2           The Bomb Squad should utilize the logic tree when determining how to make an initial approach, once a plan of action is in place and the Bomb Squad is ready to investigate or Render Safe the suspect device the initial approach should be done by physical or remote means. (Robot)

 

4.6.3           Time generally shall not be a consideration, unless it is a life threatening situation.

 

4.6.4           A bomb technician shall be assigned as a safety officer to oversee the operation and coordinate with other agencies.

 

4.6.5           The Bomb Squad shall establish the inner perimeter bomb operating area. The Bomb Squad shall evaluate the outer perimeter and make the necessary adjustments.

 

4.6.6           If it is determined that the initial approach cannot be done by the Robot, the bomb technicians making the initial approach shall wear the appropriate personnel protective clothing. (Bomb Suit, SCBA, Level B and Search suit. etc.).

 

4.6.7           Other circumstances may exist that make it physically impossible for the Bomb Technician to approach the suspect device, which would preclude the use of the Bomb suit.

 

4.6.8           Bomb Technicians shall not hand enter pipe bombs!

 

4.6.9           Human Life shall not be placed in unnecessary jeopardy for the purpose of securing or preserving evidence. Only the Bomb Squad personnel or those requested by the Bomb Squad shall be permitted within the bomb operational area.

 

4.6.10         Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Fire Department personnel shall be present when the Bomb Squad responds to the scene of an IED, or for Explosive Disposal Operations at the Bomb Squads Bomb Range. 

 

4.7              Essential Equipment To Use On Suspicious Items

 

4.7.1           The overall situation including the circumstances and the physical environment shall be used by the senior bomb technician on site in determining the use of the robot, x-ray, bomb suit, or render safe tools. The following general guidelines shall be used in making this determination and the senior bomb technician on scene shall be responsible for justifying failure to comply with these guidelines:

 

4.7.2           Robot:

 

1.    Life threatening Situation: use is at the discretion of the senior bomb technician on the scene.

 

2.    Non-life threatening situation: use shall be in all situations except where it is physically impossible for the robot to work.  Use of the robot shall be at the discretion of the senior Bomb Technician on the scene.

 

4.7.3           Bomb suit:

 

1.    Life threatening situation: use is at the discretion of the senior bomb technician on the scene.

 

2.    Non-Life threatening situation:  use shall be in at all situations except where it is physically impossible; there is a high potential of booby-traps; or there is an explosive flammable atmosphere.

 

4.7.4           X-ray:

 

1.    Life threatening situation: use is at the discretion of the senior bomb technician on the scene.

 

2.    Non–life-threatening situation: use is at discretion of senior bomb technician on the scene.

 

4.8.5           Disrupters:

 

1.    Life threatening situation: use is at discretion of senior bomb technician on the scene if in his or her opinion it is the most probable means of successfully rendering safe the situation.

 

2.    Non Life threatening situation: use is at discretion of senior bomb technician on the scene if in his or her opinion it is the most probable means of successfully rendering safe the situation.

 

4.9              Transportation of suspicious items:

 

4.9.1           Normally, suspect devices shall be neutralized on site. The decision to transport a suspect device shall be weighed carefully to ensure that the act of loading and transporting itself does not unduly increase the hazards to the technician or the public.

 

4.9.2           Transportation shall be coordinated with the safety Officer on the scene.

 

4.9.3           Rendering safe the suspect device in place shall be given first consideration in all non- life threatening situations involving abandoned / deteriorated explosives, explosive chemicals, and suspect devices.

 

4.10            Response to Suspect Devices

 

4.10.1         Initial Actions:

 

1.    Verify / Change Evacuation.

 

2.    Determine Life Threatening / Non-life threatening.

 

3.    Verify / Request Support (i.e., fire, and EMS).

 

4.10.2         Life threatening Situation:

 

1.    Consider possibilities of reducing situation to non-life threatening situation without working on the device.

 

2.    Consider the time factors.

 

3.    Due to the extreme nature of a life-threatening situation the senior bomb technician is authorized full latitude in determining the type of equipment used; the use / non-use of essential safety equipment; and the number and exposure time of bomb technicians / support personnel on scene.

 

4.10.3         Non-Life threatening Situation:

 

1.    Normally remote procedures shall be employed, particularly on closed bombs. Open bombs may require immediate action by the bomb technician on scene. The bomb response team must justify any hand procedure conducted in a non-life-threatening situation.

 

2.    Do not rush the call.

 

3.    Determine initial course of action / render safe attempt (use of Robot 1st priority of consideration.

 

4.    Limit initial response on the suspect package to one properly equipped technician if at all possible. Every attempt shall be made to minimize exposure time on target.

 

5.    Render the item or the situation safe. This may include an attempted render safe, a subsequent detonation, and a check for residual / additional hazards; a removal and transportation of the suspect item; or determination that the item is not a bomb.

 

6.    Suspect items transported to the range for render safe and / or disposal no longer requires any type of emergency handling. Time is no longer a factor, procedures used shall be remote. Any exposure time shall be held to an absolute minimum.

 

4.10.4         Final Actions:

 

1.    Transportation and disposal of hazardous items/ material; and

 

2.    Crime scene investigation.

 

4.10.5         Post Blast Scene:

 

1.    Bomb Squad shall respond to all post blast incidents.

 

2.    Check for secondary devices.

 

3.    Check for residual and/or unconsumed explosives.

 

4.    Bomb Squad shall investigate or assist in the investigation.

 

5.    Turn crime scene over to Federal agencies if a terrorist incident.

 

4.11            Bomb Canine

 

4.11.1         The Bomb Squad’s Explosives Detection Canine Unit is assigned within the Atlanta Police Airport Section. Supervision shall be the responsibility of the Airport Section Bomb Squad supervisors.

 

4.11.2         The primary mission of the bomb detecting canine and handler is to provide bomb detection services at Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport and to support the Bomb Squad in the detection and evaluation responsibilities of explosives and explosive devices. This support shall be in the form of scent detection in incidents involving a known or suspected explosive device.  The explosive detecting canines shall not search or clear a known explosive device or any package or item deemed suspicious.

 

4.11.3         Canine handlers shall be assigned a transport utility vehicle for the transportations and safety of the canine. The handler shall be responsible for the vehicle assigned to them and shall take the vehicle home with them after each tour of duty. This vehicle shall be equipped with heat sensors and alarm (CALEA 5th Edition 41.1.3 a, c)

 

4.11.4         Canine handlers shall train to maintain their dogs at the certification level and follow the training requirements in the TSA explosive canine cooperative agreement. Training shall be documented by the handler, reviewed by the Airport Section Bomb Squad supervisor, and filed for any further reference. Before being placed into service, explosive detection canines shall have completed approved courses, such as those required for yearly certification from the Transportation Security Administration.  All TSA certified canine handlers shall follow the training requirements outlined in the cooperative agreement between the TSA explosive canine program and the Atlanta Police Department.

 

4.11.5         Canine handlers who are authorized to handle an explosive detection canine shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of canines and canine equipment assigned to them.

 

4.11.6         Utilization of the explosive detection canine shall be documented by the canine handler in the TSA explosive canine website and reviewed by the canine Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Supervisor.  All explosive canine handlers with assigned TSA canines shall adhere to all required utilization outlined in the cooperative agreement executed between the TSA Explosive Canine Program and the Atlanta Police Department.

 

4.11.7         The supervisor of the explosive detection canine handlers shall maintain health/immunization records on their dogs.

 

4.11.8         The Airport Section Bomb Squad supervisors shall review all incidents, records and reports involving Bomb Detection Canine Units routinely.

 

4.11.9         Any medical care, change or abnormality in the way the canine performs his duties, or any problem that arises with the canine shall be reported to the Airport Section Bomb Squad supervisor as soon as practical.

 

4.11.10       A departmental approved veterinarian shall be the only provider of medical services except in the event of an emergency.

 

4.11.11       Only the Transportation Security Administration approved diet, in conjunction with the departmental veterinarian, shall be fed to the canine.

 

4.11.12       Request for services of an explosives detection canine team must be by the supervisor on scene and approved by the Airport Section Bomb Squad supervisor.

 

5.               Definitions

 

                  N/A

 

6.               Cancellations

 

                  APD.SOP.3182 “Bomb Squad”, April 1, 2007

 

7.               References

 

                  Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies 5th Edition standard 41.1.3 and 41.1.4