U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

National Institute of Justice

research report

A GUIDEfor

Explosion

Bombing

Explosion

Bombing SCENE INVESTIGATION

and
U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

810 Seventh Street N.W.

Washington, DC 20531

Janet Reno

Attorney General

Daniel Marcus

Acting Associate Attorney General

Mary Lou Leary

Acting Assistant Attorney General

Julie E. Samuels

Acting Director, National Institute of Justice

Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice

World Wide Web Site World Wide Web Site 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij
About the National Institute of Justice

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), a component of the Office of Justice Programs, is the

research agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. Created by the Omnibus Crime Control

and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended, NIJ is authorized to support research, evaluation,

and demonstration programs, development of technology, and both national and international

information dissemination. Specific mandates of the Act direct NIJ to:

• Sponsor special projects and research and development programs that will improve and

strengthen the criminal justice system and reduce or prevent crime.

• Conduct national demonstration projects that employ innovative or promising 

approaches for improving criminal justice.

• Develop new technologies to fight crime and improve criminal justice.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice programs and identify programs that 

promise to be successful if continued or repeated.

• Recommend actions that can be taken by Federal, State, and local governments as well 

as by private organizations to improve criminal justice. 

• Carry out research on criminal behavior.

• Develop new methods of crime prevention and reduction of crime and delinquency. 

In recent years, NIJ has greatly expanded its initiatives, the result of the Violent Crime 

Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (the Crime Act), partnerships with other Federal

agencies and private foundations, advances in technology, and a new international focus.

Examples of these new initiatives include:

• Exploring key issues in community policing, violence against women, violence within

the family, sentencing reforms, and specialized courts such as drug courts.

• Developing dual-use technologies to support national defense and local law enforcement

needs.

• Establishing four regional National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology 

Centers and a Border Research and Technology Center. 

• Strengthening NIJ’s links with the international community through participation in the

United Nations network of criminological institutes, the U.N. Criminal Justice Information Network, and the NIJ International Center.

• Improving the online capability of NIJ’s criminal justice information clearinghouse. 

• Establishing the ADAM (Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring) program—formerly the Drug

Use Forecasting (DUF) program—to increase the number of drug-testing sites and study

drug-related crime.

The Institute Director establishes the Institute’s objectives, guided by the priorities of the

Office of Justice Programs, the Department of Justice, and the needs of the criminal justice

field. The Institute actively solicits the views of criminal justice professionals and researchers

in the continuing search for answers that inform public policymaking in crime and 

justice. 

To find out more about the National Institute of Justice,

please contact:

National Criminal Justice Reference Service,

P.O. Box 6000 

Rockville, MD 20849–6000 

800–851–3420

e-mail: askncjrs@ncjrs.org

To obtain an electronic version of this document, access the NIJ Web site 

(http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/181869.htm).

If you have questions, call or e-mail NCJRS.
Written and Approved by the

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation

June 2000

NCJ 181869

A Guide for Explosion and

Bombing Scene Investigation
Julie E. Samuels

Acting Director

David G. Boyd, Ph.D.

Deputy Director

Richard M. Rau, Ph.D.

Project Monitor

Opinions or points of view expressed in this document represent a

consensus of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official

position of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The National Institute of Justice is a component of the Office of

Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Assistance,

the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Office of Juvenile Justice and

Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims of Crime.
iii

Message From the Attorney General

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, and ultimately

convicting suspected criminals. For this reason, it is absolutely essential

that the evidence be collected in a professional manner that will yield

successful laboratory analyses. One way of ensuring that we, as investigators, obtain evidence of the highest quality and utility is to follow

sound protocols in our investigations.

Recent cases in the criminal justice system have brought to light the need

for heightened investigative practices at all crime scenes. In order to raise

the standard of practice in explosion and bombing investigations of both

small and large scale, in both rural and urban jurisdictions, the National

Institute of Justice teamed with the National Center for Forensic Science

at the University of Central Florida to initiate a national effort. Together

they convened a technical working group of law enforcement and legal

practitioners, bomb technicians and investigators, and forensic laboratory

analysts to explore the development of improved procedures for the

identification, collection, and preservation of evidence at explosion and

bombing scenes.

 This Guide was produced with the dedicated and enthusiastic participation of the seasoned professionals who served on the Technical Working

Group for Bombing Scene Investigation. These 32 individuals brought

together knowledge and practical experience from Federal law enforcement agencies—as well as from large and small jurisdictions across the

United States—with expertise from national organizations and abroad.

I applaud their efforts to work together over the course of 2 years in

developing this consensus of recommended practices for public safety

personnel.
iv

In developing its investigative procedures, every jurisdiction should give

careful consideration to those recommended in this Guide and to its own

unique local conditions and logistical circumstances. Although factors

that vary among investigations may call for different approaches or even

preclude the use of certain procedures described in the Guide, consideration of the Guide’s recommendations may be invaluable to a jurisdiction shaping its own protocols. As such, A Guide for Explosion and

Bombing Scene Investigation is an important tool for refining investigative practices dealing with these incidents, as we continue our search

for truth.

Janet Reno
v

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is proud to take a

 leading role in the investigation of fire and explosion scenes

through the establishment of the National Center for Forensic Science

(NCFS). The work of the Center’s faculty, staff, and students, in cooperation with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), has helped produce

the NIJ Research Report A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene

Investigation.

More than 150 graduates of UCF’s 25-year-old program in forensic

science are now working in crime laboratories across the country. Our

program enjoys an ongoing partnership with NIJ to increase knowledge

and awareness of fire and explosion scene investigation. We anticipate

that this type of mutually beneficial partnership between the university,

the criminal justice system, and private industry will become even more

prevalent in the future.

As the authors of this Guide indicate, the field of explosion and bombing

investigation lacks nationally coordinated investigative protocols. NCFS

recognizes the need for this coordination. The Center maintains and

updates its training criteria and tools so that it may serve as a national

resource for public safety personnel who may encounter an explosion

or bombing scene in the line of duty.

I encourage interested and concerned public safety personnel to use A

Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation. The procedures

recommended in the Guide can help to ensure that more investigations

are successfully concluded through the proper identification, collection,

and examination of all relevant forensic evidence.

Dr. John C. Hitt

Message From the President of the University of

Central Florida
vii

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation

The Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation

(TWGBSI) is a multidisciplinary group of content area experts

from the United States, Canada, and Israel, each representing his or her

respective agency or practice. Each of these individuals is experienced in

the investigation of explosions, the analysis of evidence gathered, or the

use in the criminal justice system of information produced by the investigation. They represent such entities as fire departments, law enforcement

agencies, forensic laboratories, private companies, and government

agencies.

At the outset of the TWGBSI effort, the National Institute of Justice

(NIJ) and the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) created the

National Bombing Scene Planning Panel (NBSPP)—composed of distinguished law enforcement officers, representatives of private industry, and

researchers—to define needs, develop initial strategies, and steer the larger

group. Additional members of TWGBSI were then selected from recommendations solicited from NBSPP; NIJ’s regional National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers; and national organizations and

agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol,

Tobacco and Firearms, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, and the National District Attorneys Association.

Collectively, over a 2-year period, the 32 members of TWGBSI listed

below worked together to develop this handbook, A Guide for Explosion

and Bombing Scene Investigation.

National Bombing Scene Planning Panel of TWGBSI

Joan K. Alexander

Office of the Chief State’s

Attorney

Rocky Hill, Connecticut

Roger E. Broadbent

Virginia State Police

Fairfax, Virginia

John A. Conkling, Ph.D.

American Pyrotechnics

Association

Chestertown, Maryland
viii

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene

Investigation

Sheldon Dickie

Royal Canadian Mounted

Police

Gloucester, Ontario, Canada

Ronald L. Kelly

Federal Bureau of

Investigation

Washington, D.C.

Jimmie C. Oxley, Ph.D.

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, Rhode Island

Roger N. Prescott

Austin Powder Company

Cleveland, Ohio

James C. Ronay

Institute of Makers of

Explosives

Washington, D.C.

James T. Thurman

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky

Carl Vasilko

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco

and Firearms

Washington, D.C.

Raymond S. Voorhees

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Dulles, Virginia

Andrew A. Apollony

Federal Bureau of

Investigation

Quantico, Virginia

Michael Boxler

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco

and Firearms

St. Paul, Minnesota

Steven G. Burmeister

Federal Bureau of

Investigation

Washington, D.C.

Gregory A. Carl

Federal Bureau of

Investigation

Washington, D.C.

Stuart W. Case

Forensic Consulting Services

Pellston, Michigan

Lance Connors

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s

Office

Tampa, Florida

James B. Crippin

Colorado Bureau of

Investigation

Pueblo, Colorado

John E. Drugan

Massachusetts State Police

Sudbury, Massachusetts

Dirk Hedglin

Great Lakes Analytical, Inc.

St. Clair Shores, Michigan

Larry Henderson

Kentucky State Police

Lexington, Kentucky

Thomas H. Jourdan, Ph.D.

Federal Bureau of

Investigation

Washington, D.C.

Frank Malter

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco

and Firearms

Washington, D.C.

Thomas J. Mohnal

Federal Bureau of

Investigation

Washington, D.C.

David S. Shatzer

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco

and Firearms

Washington, D.C.

Patricia Dawn Sorenson

Naval Criminal Investigative

Service

San Diego, California

Frank J. Tabert

International Association of

Bomb Technicians and

Investigators

Franklin Square, New York

Calvin K. Walbert

Chemical Safety and Hazard

Investigation Board

Washington, D.C.

Leo W. West

Federal Bureau of

Investigation

Washington, D.C.

Carrie Whitcomb

National Center for Forensic

Science

Orlando, Florida

David M. Williams

Lockheed Martin Energy

Systems

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Jehuda Yinon, Ph.D.

Weizmann Institute of Science

Rehovot, Israel
ix

Acknowledgments

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) acknowledges, with great

 thanks, the members of the Technical Working Group for Bombing

Scene Investigation (TWGBSI) for their extensive efforts on this project

and their dedication to improving the level of explosion and bombing

investigations for the good of the criminal justice system. Each of the 32

members of this network of experts gave their time and expertise to draft

and review the Guide, providing feedback and perspective from a variety

of disciplines and from all areas of the United States, Canada, and Israel.

The true strength of this Guide is derived from their commitment to

develop procedures that could be implemented across the country, from

rural townships to metropolitan areas. In addition, thanks are extended

to the agencies and organizations the Technical Working Group (TWG)

members represent for their flexibility and support, which enabled the

participants to see this project to completion.

NIJ is immensely grateful to the National Center for Forensic Science

(NCFS) at the University of Central Florida, particularly Director Carrie

Whitcomb and Project Coordinator Joan Jarvis, for its coordination of

the TWGBSI effort. NCFS’s support in planning and hosting the TWG

meetings, as well as the support of its staff in developing the Guide,

made this work possible.

Additionally, thanks are extended to all the individuals, agencies, and

organizations across the country who participated in the review of this

Guide and provided valuable comments and input. In particular, thanks

go to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau

of Investigation, the National District Attorneys Association, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and the International Association of Bomb

Technicians and Investigators. While all review comments were given

careful consideration by the TWG in developing the final document, the

review by these organizations is not intended to imply their endorsement

of the Guide.
x

NIJ would like to thank the co-manager for this project, Kathleen

Higgins, for her advice and significant contribution to the development

of the Guide.

Special thanks go to former NIJ Director Jeremy Travis for his support

and guidance and to Lisa Forman, Lisa Kaas, and Anjali Swienton for

their contributions to the TWG program. Thanks also go to Rita Premo

of Aspen Systems Corporation, who provided tireless work editing and

re-editing the various drafts of the Guide.

Finally, NIJ would like to acknowledge Attorney General Janet Reno,

whose support and commitment to the improvement of the criminal

justice system made this work possible.
xi

Message From the Attorney General .............................................................. iii

Message From the President of the University of Central Florida ................ v

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation ...................... vii

Acknowledgments ..............................................................................................ix

Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1

Purpose and Scope .................................................................................... 1

Statistics on Bombings and Other Explosives-Related Incidents ............. 2

Background............................................................................................... 4

Training .................................................................................................... 8

Authorization ............................................................................................ 8

A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation .............................. 9

Section A. Procuring Equipment and Tools ....................................... 11

Safety ............................................................................................ 11

General Crime Scene Tools/Equipment ........................................ 12

Scene Documentation ................................................................... 12

Evidence Collection ...................................................................... 13

Specialized Equipment.................................................................. 14

Section B. Prioritizing Initial Response Efforts ................................. 15

1. Conduct a Preliminary Evaluation of the Scene ....................... 15

2. Exercise Scene Safety ............................................................... 16

3. Administer Lifesaving Efforts ................................................... 17

4. Establish Security and Control.................................................. 17

Contents
xii

Section C. Evaluating the Scene .......................................................... 19

1. Define the Investigator Role ..................................................... 19

2. Ensure Scene Integrity .............................................................. 20

3. Conduct the Scene Walkthrough ............................................... 21

4. Secure Required Resources....................................................... 21

Section D. Documenting the Scene ...................................................... 23

1. Develop Written Documentation .............................................. 23

2. Photograph/Videotape the Scene .............................................. 23

3. Locate and Interview Victims and Witnesses ............................ 24

Section E. Processing Evidence at the Scene ...................................... 27

1. Assemble the Evidence Processing Team ................................. 27

2. Organize Evidence Processing .................................................. 28

3. Control Contamination ............................................................. 28

4. Identify, Collect, Preserve, Inventory, Package, and

Transport Evidence ................................................................ 29

Section F. Completing and Recording the Scene Investigation ........ 33

1. Ensure That All Investigative Steps Are Documented .............. 33

2. Ensure That Scene Processing Is Complete .............................. 34

3. Release the Scene ...................................................................... 35

4. Submit Reports to the Appropriate National Databases ........... 35

Appendix A. Sample Forms ................................................................. 37

Appendix B. Further Reading ............................................................. 47

Appendix C. List of Organizations ..................................................... 49

Appendix D. Investigative and Technical Resources ......................... 51
1

Introduction

“I had imagined that Sherlock Holmes would have at once hurried

into the house and plunged into a study of the mystery. Nothing

appeared to be further from his intention. He lounged up and

down the pavement and gazed vacantly at the ground, the sky, the

opposite houses. Having finished his scrutiny, he proceeded slowly

down the path, keeping his eyes riveted on the ground.”

Dr. Watson

A Study in Scarlet

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes, the master of detectives, considered it essential to be

excruciatingly disciplined in his approach to looking for evidence at a

crime scene. While it is imperative that all investigators apply discipline

in their search for evidence, it is apparent that few do so in the same way.

Currently, there are no nationally accepted guidelines or standard practices

for conducting explosion or bombing scene investigations. Professional

training exists through Federal, State, and local agencies responsible for

these investigations, as well as through some organizations and academic

institutions. The authors of this Guide strongly encourage additional

training for public safety personnel.

Purpose and Scope

The principal purpose of this Guide is to provide 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 Alfred P.

Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, to those that attract less

attention and fewer resources but may be just as complex for the investigator. Any guide addressing investigative procedures must ensure that
2

each contributor of evidence to the forensic laboratory system is served

by the guide and that quality examinations will be rendered. Consistent

collection of quality evidence in bombing cases will result in more

successful investigations and prosecutions of bombing cases. While

this Guide can be useful to agencies in developing their own procedures,

the procedures included here may not be deemed applicable in every

circumstance or jurisdiction, nor are they intended to be all-inclusive.

Statistics on Bombings and Other

Explosives-Related Incidents

The principal Federal partners in the collection of data related to explosives incidents in the United States are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco

and Firearms (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S.

Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the U.S. Fire Administration

(USFA). These Federal partners collect and compile information supplied by State and local fire service and law enforcement agencies

throughout the United States and many foreign countries.

According to ATF and FBI databases, there were approximately 38,362

explosives incidents from 1988 through 1997 (the latest year for which

complete data were available) in the United States, including Guam,

Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Incident reports received by

ATF and the FBI indicate that the States with the most criminal bombing

incidents are traditionally California, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Washington. Criminal bombings and other explosives incidents have occurred

in all States, however, and the problem is not limited to one geographic

or demographic area of the country.

The number of criminal bombing incidents (bombings, attempted

bombings, incendiary bombings, and attempted incendiary bombings)

reported to ATF, the FBI, and USPIS fluctuated in the years 1993–97,

ranging between 2,217 in 1997 and 3,163 in 1994. Incendiary incidents

reached a high of 725 in both 1993 and 1994. Explosives incidents
3

reached a high of 2,438 in 1994 and a low of 1,685 in 1997. It is important to note that these numbers reflect only the incidents reported to

Federal databases and do not fully reflect the magnitude of the problem

in the United States.

Of the criminal bombing incidents reported during 1993–97, the top

three targets—collectively representing approximately 60 percent of

the incidents—were residential properties, mailboxes, and vehicles.

Motives are known for about 8,000 of these incidents, with vandalism

and revenge by far cited most frequently.

The most common types of explosive/incendiary devices encountered

by fire service and law enforcement personnel in the United States are

traditionally pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails, and other improvised

explosive/incendiary devices. The most common explosive materials

used in these devices are flammable liquids and black and smokeless

powder.

Stolen explosives also pose a significant threat to public safety in the

United States. From 1993 to 1997, more than 50,000 pounds of high

explosives, low explosives, and blasting agents and more than 30,000

detonators were reported stolen. Texas, Pennsylvania, California,

Tennessee, and North Carolina led the Nation in losses, but every State

reported losses.

Further information, including updated and specific statistical information, can be obtained by contacting the ATF Arson and Explosives

National Repository at 800–461–8841 or 202–927–4590, through its

Web site at http://ows.atf.treas.gov:9999, or by calling the FBI Bomb

Data Center at 202–324–2696.
4

Background

National Bombing Scene Planning Panel (NBSPP)

The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) at the University of

Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, a grantee of the National Institute of

Justice (NIJ), held a National Needs Symposium on Arson and Explosives in August 1997. The symposium’s purpose was to identify problem

areas associated with the collection and analysis of fire and explosion

debris. One of the problem areas identified was the need for improved,

consistent evidence recognition and handling procedures.

In spring 1998, NIJ and NCFS, using NIJ’s template for creating technical working groups, decided to develop guidelines for fire/arson and

explosion/bombing scene investigations. The NIJ Director selected

members for a planning group to craft the explosion/bombing investigation guidelines—NBSPP. At the same time, the NIJ Director selected a

fire/arson planning panel. The nine NBSPP members represent national

and international organizations whose constituents are responsible for

investigating explosion and bombing scenes and evaluating evidence

from these investigations. The group also includes one academic researcher. The rationale for their involvement was twofold:

◆ They represent the diversity of the professional discipline.

◆ Each organization is a key stakeholder in the conduct of explosion

and bombing investigations and the implementation of this Guide.

NBSPP was charged with developing an outline for national guidelines

for explosion and bombing scene investigations—using the format

in the NIJ publication Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene

Investigator1 as a template—and identifying the expertise composition of

a technical working group for explosion/bombing scene investigations.

This task was completed in March 1998 at a meeting at NCFS; the

results are presented here.
5

Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene

Investigation (TWGBSI)

Candidates for TWGBSI were recommended by national law enforcement, prosecution, forensic sciences, and bomb technician organizations

and commercial interests and represented a multidisciplinary group of

both national and international organizations. These individuals are all

content area experts who serve within the field every day. The following

criteria were used to select the members of TWGBSI:

◆ Each member was nominated/selected for the position by NBSPP

and NCFS.

◆ Each member had specific knowledge regarding explosion and

bombing investigation.

◆ Each member had specific experience with the process of explosion

and bombing investigation and the outcomes of positive and negative

scene investigations.

◆ Each member could commit to the project for the entire period.

The 32 experts selected as members of TWGBSI came from 3 countries

(the United States, Canada, and Israel), 13 States, and the District of

Columbia. Because this technical working group dealt with explosion

and bombing scenes, a large portion of investigators and analysts represented ATF and the FBI. The geographical distribution of TWGBSI

members is shown in exhibit 1.

Chronology of Work

NBSPP meeting. In March 1998, the panel met at UCF, under the sponsorship of NCFS, to review the existing literature and technologies, prepare

the project objectives, and begin the guideline development process. The

panel’s objective was to develop an outline for a set of national guidelines

based on existing literature and present them for review to the assembled

TWGBSI at a later date. During this initial session, five investigative tasks

were identified. Each task included subsections that, when developed,

provided a template of procedures for investigators to follow while

conducting an explosion or bombing investigation.
6

 Region Number of Participants

Northeast 20

Southeast 8

Rocky Mountain 1

West 1

International 2

The completed Guide includes the following components:

◆ A principle citing the rationale for performing the task.

◆ The procedure for performing the task.

◆ A summary outlining the principle and procedure.

TWGBSI assembled in August 1998. After introductory remarks from

the president of UCF, TWGBSI separated into five breakout sections to

draft the Guide, which includes the following stages:

◆ Prioritizing initial response efforts.

◆ Evaluating the scene.

Exhibit 1. Technical Working Group for Bombing Scene Investigation

Membership Distribution

Northeast

Southeast

Rocky Mountain

West Law Enforcement

Laboratory Staff

Practitioners

Canada

Israel

Prosecutors

Researchers
7

◆ Documenting the scene.

◆ Processing evidence at the scene.

◆ Completing and recording the scene investigation.

Once all breakout groups completed their work, the full group reassembled to review and approve the initial draft. Editors from an NIJ

contractor attended each section to record the proceedings and guide

the editorial process. After the meeting, the editors reformatted the

initial draft and forwarded it to an agency representative so that it

could be sent to all TWGBSI members for comment.

Organizational review and national reviewer network. After the

TWGBSI comments were received by NIJ, NBSPP met in November

and December 1998 in Washington, D.C., to consider and incorporate

the comments, creating the second draft of the Guide. In addition,

NBSPP members recommended organizations, agencies, and individuals

they felt should comment on the draft document, which was mailed to

all TWGBSI members and to this wider audience in June 1999. The 150

organizations and individuals whose comments were solicited during

the national review of this Guide included all levels of law enforcement,

regional and national organizations, and bomb response units from the

United States, Canada, and other nations. A list of reviewers can be

found in appendix C.

NBSPP members reassembled in August 1999 to incorporate the comments received from the initial wide review. Following this meeting, a

third draft of the Guide was sent to all TWGBSI members for discussion

and review within their organizations and agencies. In October 1999, the

TWGBSI members met to review and recommend changes to this third

draft. Another national and organizational review followed, and results

were discussed by TWGBSI at a meeting in January 2000. What follows

is the final consensus document resulting from the final meeting.
8

Training

For each of the procedures presented in this Guide, training criteria will

be developed and approved by NCFS’s Technical Working Group on Fire

and Explosions. These criteria will provide individuals and educational

organizations with an additional resource for providing comprehensive

instruction to public safety personnel. A current listing of institutions

that can provide training in the area of explosion/bombing investigation

can be obtained from NCFS (see appendix D).

Authorization

Federal, State, and local statutory authority in explosion and bombing

cases is enforced by the agencies responsible for the specific incident

and varies greatly depending on the specific location and nature of the

incident.

Note

1. Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator, Research

Report, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute

of Justice, December 1997, NCJ 167568.
9

A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation

Procuring Equipment and Tools

Prioritizing Initial Response Efforts

Documenting the Scene

Processing Evidence at the Scene

Section A

Section B

Section C

Section D

Section E

Completing and Recording the Scene

Investigation Section F

Evaluating the Scene
10

This handbook is intended as a guide to recommended practices

for the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence at

explosion and bombing scenes. Jurisdictional, logistical, or legal

conditions may preclude the use of particular procedures contained

here. Not every portion of this document may be applicable to all

explosion and bombing scenes. The investigator will determine the

applicability of these procedures to a particular incident.
11

Section A. Procuring Equipment and Tools

A

Possessing the proper tools and equipment is key to any task, and never

more so than in emergency situations such as explosion or bombing

scenes. Because responders and investigators may not know the details

of the situation until arriving at the scene, prior preparation is vital.

Following is a list of equipment and tools frequently used by the investigative team at explosion and bombing scenes. Equipment and tool needs

are, for the most part, determined by the actual scene. The list below may

be used as a planning guide for equipment and tool needs. Not every item

and tool mentioned below will be applicable for use on every scene.

Safety

◆ Biohazard materials (i.e., bags, tags, labels).

◆ First-aid kit.

◆ Footwear, safety (i.e., protective shoes/boots).

◆ Glasses, safety.

◆ Gloves, heavy and disposable (e.g., surgical, latex).

◆ Helmets, safety/hard hats.

◆ Kneepads.

◆ Outerwear, protective (e.g., disposable suits, weather gear).

◆ Personnel support items (e.g., food, water, hygiene items, shelter).

◆ Reflective tape.

◆ Respiratory equipment (e.g., particle masks, breathing equipment).
12

General Crime Scene Tools/Equipment

◆ Barrier tape/perimeter rope.

◆ Batteries.

◆ Binoculars.

◆ Communications equipment (e.g., telephone, two-way radio).

◆ Evidence collection kits (e.g., latent print, bodily fluid, impression,

tool mark, trace evidence).

◆ Flares.

◆ Flashlights.

◆ Generators.

◆ Handtools (e.g., screwdrivers, crowbars, hammers).

◆ Knives, utility.

◆ Lighting, auxiliary.

◆ Tarps/tents.

◆ Thermometer.

◆ Trashcans, large.

◆ Tweezers/forceps.

Scene Documentation

◆ Compass.

◆ Computer and computer-aided design (CAD) program.

◆ Consent-to-search forms.

◆ Drawing equipment (e.g., sketchbooks, pencils).

◆ Logs (e.g., evidence recovery, photo).
13

A

◆ Measuring equipment (e.g., forensic mapping station, tape measure,

tape wheel).

◆ Photographic equipment (e.g., 35mm camera, Polaroid camera,

videocamera, digital camera, film, lenses, tripods).

◆ Tape recorder and cassettes.

◆ Writing equipment (e.g., notebooks, pens, permanent markers).

Evidence Collection

◆ Bags, new (e.g., sealable, nylon).

◆ Boxes, corrugated/fiberboard.

◆ Brushes and brooms.

◆ Cans, new (e.g., unlined).

◆ Evidence flags/cones.

◆ Evidence placards.

◆ Evidence tags.

◆ Evidence sealing tape.

◆ Gloves (i.e., disposable cotton, disposable latex).

◆ Grid markers.

◆ Heat sealer.

◆ Magnets.

◆ Outerwear, protective (e.g., disposable suits, shoe covers).

◆ Rakes, spades, and shovels.

◆ Sifters/screens.

◆ Swabbing kits.

◆ Trowels.

◆ Vacuum.
14

Specialized Equipment

◆ Aerial survey/photography equipment (e.g., helicopter).

◆ Chemical test kits and vapor detectors.

◆ Construction equipment, heavy.

◆ Extrication/recovery equipment.

◆ GPS (global positioning system) equipment.

◆ Ladders.

◆ Trace explosives detectors (e.g., sniffers) and/or detection canines.
15

Section B. Prioritizing Initial Response Efforts

B

Note: Safety concerns should be continually addressed beginning with

the initial response effort. Implementation of the procedures in this

section will be determined by the scene circumstances.

1. Conduct a Preliminary Evaluation

of the Scene

Principle: First responders (the first public safety personnel to

arrive at the scene, whether law enforcement officers,

firefighters, or emergency medical services (EMS)

personnel) must assess the scene quickly yet thoroughly

to determine the course of action to be taken. This

assessment should include the scope of the incident,

emergency services required, safety concerns, and

evidentiary considerations.

Procedure: Upon arrival at the scene, first responders should:

A. Establish a command post/implement an incident command

system (i.e., a point of contact and line of communication and

authority for other public safety personnel).

B. Request emergency services from bomb technicians, firefighters,

EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers.

C. Identify scene hazards, such as structural collapse, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and secondary

explosive devices.

D. Identify witnesses, victims, and the presence of evidence.

E. Preserve potentially transient physical evidence (e.g., evidence

present on victims, evidence that may be compromised by

weather conditions).
16

DANGER: Beware of secondary devices!

The scene may contain secondary explosive devices designed specifically

to kill or maim public safety responders. Do not touch any suspicious

items. If a suspected secondary device is located, immediately evacuate

the area and contact bomb disposal personnel.

Summary: Based on the preliminary evaluation, first responders

will initiate an incident command system, request

emergency services, and identify scene hazards and

evidentiary concerns.

2. Exercise Scene Safety

Principle: Safety overrides all other concerns. First responders

must take steps to identify and remove or mitigate safety

hazards that may further threaten victims, bystanders,

and public safety personnel. They must exercise due

caution while performing emergency operations to avoid

injuries to themselves and others.

Procedure: Following the preliminary evaluation of the scene, first

responders should:

A. Request additional resources and personnel (e.g., bomb technicians, building inspectors, representatives from utility companies,

such as gas, water, and electric) to mitigate identified hazards.

B. Use tools and personal protective equipment appropriate to the

task during all operations.

C. Request and/or conduct a safety sweep of the area by personnel

qualified to identify and evaluate additional hazards and safety

concerns.

D. Mark hazard areas clearly and designate safety zones to receive

victims and evacuees.
17

Summary: To ensure safety, first responders will take steps to

identify, evaluate, and mitigate scene hazards and

establish safety zones.

3. Administer Lifesaving Efforts

Principle: First responders’ primary responsibility is to rescue

living victims and provide treatment for life-threatening

injuries. While performing emergency operations, they

are to preserve evidence and avoid disturbing areas not

directly involved in the rescue activities, including those

areas containing fatalities.

Procedure: After performing a preliminary evaluation and establishing scene safety, first responders should:

A. Initiate rescues of severely injured and/or trapped victims.

B. Evacuate ambulatory victims, perform triage, and treat lifethreatening injuries.

C. Leave fatalities and their surroundings undisturbed. Removal of

fatalities will await authorization.

D. Avoid disturbing areas not directly involved in rescue activities.

Summary: Lifesaving efforts are first responders’ priority. Additionally, care should be taken not to disturb areas where

rescue activities are not taking place.

4. Establish Security and Control

Principle: First responders will establish control and restrict scene

access to essential personnel, thereby aiding rescue

efforts and scene preservation. First responders will

initiate documentation.
18

Procedure: To establish security and control, first responders should:

A. Set up a security perimeter.

B. Restrict access into and out of the scene through the security

perimeter (e.g., control media, bystanders, nonessential

personnel).

C. Establish staging areas to ensure that emergency vehicles have

access into the area.

D. Initiate documentation of the scene as soon as conditions permit

(e.g., taking notes, identifying witnesses, videotaping/photographing bystanders).

Summary: First responders will establish a controlled security

perimeter, designate staging areas, and initiate

documentation. This will set the stage for the

subsequent investigation.
19

C

Note: At the time the scene is determined to involve a bombing or other

crime, the investigator must address legal requirements for scene

access, search, and evidence seizure.

1. Define the Investigator Role

Principle: The investigator must coordinate with the incident

commander and first responders to determine what

occurred and to assess the current situation. Subsequent

procedures will vary depending on the magnitude of the

incident.

Procedure: Upon arriving at and prior to entering the scene, the

investigator should:

A. Identify and introduce himself or herself to the incident

commander.

B. Interview the incident commander and first responders to evaluate

the situation, including safety concerns, and determine the level

of investigative assistance needed.

C. Conduct a briefing with essential personnel (e.g., law enforcement, fire, EMS, hazardous materials, and utility services

personnel) to:

◆ Evaluate initial scene safety to the extent possible prior to

entry.

◆ Ensure that a search for secondary explosive devices has

been conducted.

Caution: Only bomb disposal personnel should handle any suspected

devices that are located. Take no further action until the devices have

been identified or rendered safe.

Section C. Evaluating the Scene
20

◆ Ensure that the scene has been secured, that a perimeter and

staging areas for the investigation have been established, and

that all personnel have been advised of the need to prevent

contamination of the scene.

◆ Ensure that the chain of custody is initiated for evidence that

may have been previously collected.

D. Assess legal considerations for scene access (e.g., exigent circumstances, consent, administrative/criminal search warrants).

Summary: The investigator will conduct a briefing to ensure scene

safety and security, while addressing the issue of secondary devices.

2. Ensure Scene Integrity

Principle: The investigator must ensure the integrity of the scene

by establishing security perimeters and staging areas,

contamination control procedures, and evidence collection and control procedures.

Procedure: Prior to evidence collection, the investigator should:

A. Establish procedures to document personnel entering and exiting

the scene.

B. Establish and document procedures to prevent scene contamination.

C. Establish and document procedures for evidence collection,

control, and chain of custody (see the sample evidence recovery

and chain of custody logs in appendix A).

Summary: The investigator will establish and document procedures

to protect the integrity of the scene.
21

3. Conduct the Scene Walkthrough

Principle: The investigator must conduct a walkthrough to establish scene parameters and acquire an overview of the

incident.

Procedure: During the scene walkthrough, the investigator should:

A. Reevaluate scene requirements (e.g., boundaries, personnel,

equipment).

B. Establish an entry and exit path for personnel.

C. Be alert to safety concerns (e.g., structural damage, secondary

devices, unconsumed explosive materials, failed utilities, hazardous materials) and to the locations of physical evidence.

D. Ensure preservation and/or collection of transient evidence.

E. Attempt to locate the seat(s) of the explosion(s).

Summary: The investigator’s initial walkthrough will be an opportunity to identify evidence and the presence of safety

hazards.

4. Secure Required Resources

Principle: Following the walkthrough, the investigator should meet

with available emergency responders and investigative

personnel to determine what resources, equipment, and

additional personnel may be needed.

Procedure: During the course of this meeting, the investigator

should:

A. Assess the nature and scope of the investigation through information obtained during the walkthrough and from all available

personnel.
22

B. Advise personnel of any secondary devices or other hazards

found at the scene.

C. Ensure that one list of victims/potential witnesses is developed

and that their accounts of the incident are documented.

D. Ensure that required evidence collection equipment, as well as

processing and storage facilities, are available.

E. Secure required equipment as determined by the scene conditions, such as light and heavy equipment, handtools, specialty

equipment, and personal safety items.

F. Ensure that sufficient utilities and support services are requested

(e.g., electricity, food, trash removal, sanitary services, other

public services, security).

G. Advise emergency responders and the investigation team of their

assignments for scene documentation and processing.

H. Remind personnel that evidence can take many forms; it is not

limited solely to components of the device(s).

Summary: The investigator will meet with emergency responders

and investigative personnel in preparation for scene

documentation and processing.
23

D

1. Develop Written Documentation

Principle: The investigator will prepare written scene documentation to become part of the permanent record.

Procedure: The investigator should:

A. Document access to the scene (see the sample access control log

in appendix A).

B. Document activities, noting dates and times, associated with the

incident and the investigation (see the sample activity log in

appendix A).

C. Describe the overall scene in writing, noting physical and environmental conditions (e.g., odors, weather, structural conditions)

(see the sample narrative description in appendix A).

D. Diagram and label scene features using sketches, floor plans, and

architectural or engineering drawings.

E. Describe and document the scene with measuring equipment,

which may include surveying equipment, GPS (global positioning

system) technology, or other available equipment.

Summary: Investigators must prepare written scene documentation

as part of the permanent record of the incident, which

will serve as the foundation for any incident reconstructions and future proceedings.

2. Photograph/Videotape the Scene

Principle: The investigator must ensure that photographic documentation is included in the permanent scene record.

This documentation should be completed prior to the

removal or disturbance of any items.

Section D. Documenting the Scene
24

Procedure: The investigator should:

A. Record overall views of the scene (e.g., wide angle, aerial, 

360-degree) to spatially relate items within and to the scene and

surrounding area. (A combination of still photography, videotaping, and other techniques is most effective.)

B. Consider muting the audio portion of any video recording unless

there is narration.

C. Minimize the presence of scene personnel in photographs/videos.

D. Consider photographing/videotaping the assembled crowd.

E. Maintain photo and video logs (see the sample photographic log

in appendix A).

Summary: The investigator will ensure the photographic documentation of the scene to supplement the written documentation in preparation for scene reconstruction efforts and

any future proceedings.

3. Locate and Interview Victims

and Witnesses

Principle: The investigator will obtain victims’/witnesses’ identities, statements, and information concerning their

injuries.

Procedure: The investigator should:

A. Identify and locate witnesses (e.g., victims who may have been

transported, employees, first responders, delivery/service personnel, neighbors, passers-by) and prioritize interviews.

B. Attempt to obtain all available identifying data regarding victims/

witnesses (e.g., full name, address, date of birth, work and home

telephone numbers) prior to their departure from the scene.
25

C. Establish each witness’ relationship to or association with the

scene and/or victims.

D. Establish the basis of the witness’ knowledge: How does the

witness have knowledge of the incident?

E. Obtain statements from each witness.

F. Document thoroughly victims’ injuries and correlate victims’

locations at the time of the incident with the seat(s) of the

explosion(s).

G. Interview the medical examiner/coroner and hospital emergency

personnel regarding fatalities and injuries.

Summary: The investigator must attempt to determine the locations

of all victims and witnesses. Victim and witness statements and information about their injuries may be

essential to establishing the nature of the device and

the circumstances of the incident.
27

E

Note: At the time the scene is determined to involve a bombing or

other crime, the investigator must address legal requirements for

scene access, search, and evidence seizure.

1. Assemble the Evidence

Processing Team

Principle: Effective organization and composition of the evidence

processing team ensure the proper collection and preservation of evidence.

Procedure: The size of the evidence processing team depends on

the magnitude of the scene, but the investigator needs

to ensure that the following roles and expertise are

addressed:

A. Bomb disposal technician.

B. Evidence custodian.

C. Forensic specialist.

D. Logistics specialist.

E. Medical examiner.

F. Photographer (still, digital, video, etc.).

G. Procurement specialist.

H. Safety specialist (structural engineer, etc.).

I. Searchers/collectors.

J. Sketch artist.

Summary: Attention to the organization and composition of the

evidence processing team facilitates effective evidence

collection and preservation.

Section E. Processing Evidence at the Scene
28

2. Organize Evidence Processing

Principle: Good organization is essential to evidence collection and

preservation. The investigator must continually evaluate

the scene, adapt to changes as they occur, and brief the

team.

Procedure: Before deploying the team, the investigator should:

A. Review and reevaluate:

◆ The boundaries of the scene.

◆ Safety concerns.

◆ Command post and staging locations.

◆ Evidence processing and storage locations.

◆ Personnel and equipment requirements.

◆ Legal and administrative considerations.

B. Identify the search procedure for the scene.

C. Ensure that transient physical evidence has been preserved and

collected.

D. Consider onsite explosives detection (e.g., trace explosives

detection, use of canines, chemical tests) by qualified personnel.

E. Brief the team and review assignments.

Summary: Prior to evidence collection and throughout the process,

the investigator will review the scene, adapt to changes,

and brief the team.

3. Control Contamination

Principle: Preventing contamination protects the integrity of the

scene and other search areas, the integrity of the evidence for forensic analyses, and the safety of personnel.
29

Procedure: The investigator should ensure that evidence processing

personnel:

A. Use clean protective outergarments and equipment as applicable

for each scene.

B. Consider obtaining control samples as applicable (e.g., evidence

containers, swabs of equipment and personnel).

C. Package collected evidence in a manner that prevents loss,

degradation, or contamination.

D. Package, store, and transport evidence from different scenes or

searches in separate external containers.

Summary: Proper collection, packaging, transportation, and storage

will minimize contamination and ensure the integrity of

the evidence.

4. Identify, Collect, Preserve, Inventory,

Package, and Transport Evidence

Principle: The search focuses on the discovery of physical evidence

that may establish that a crime was committed and link

elements of the crime to possible suspects.

Procedure: To maximize the recovery and evaluation of all types of

physical evidence, the investigator should ensure:

A. The preparation of an evidence recovery log (see the sample in

appendix A) that documents information such as:

◆ Item number.

◆ Description.

◆ Location found (grid number if used).

◆ Collector’s name.

◆ Markings (either directly on the item or indirectly on the

package).
30

◆ Packaging method.

◆ Miscellaneous comments.

B. The identification of evidence by:

◆ Assigning personnel to designated search areas.

◆ Initiating scene-specific search pattern(s) and procedures,

including examination of immobile structures for possible

evidence.

◆ Attempting to determine the method of bomb delivery.

◆ Establishing the seat(s) of the explosion(s), if present.

◆ Documenting blast effects (e.g., structural damage, bent signs,

thermal effects, fragmentation).

◆ Examining the crater, vehicles, structures, etc.

◆ Documenting the location(s) of victims prior to and after the

explosion.

◆ Ensuring that victims are examined for bomb component

fragments. Autopsies should include full-body x-rays.

C. The collection of evidence, including:

◆ Suspected bomb components and fragments, including those

recovered from victims.

◆ Suspected materials used in the construction and transportation of the explosive device(s) (e.g., tape, batteries, manuals,

vehicles).

◆ Crater material.

◆ Residues and other trace evidence (using swabbing techniques).

◆ Additional items of evidence (e.g., blood, hair, fiber, fingerprints, tire tracks, weapons, documents, tools).

◆ Comparison samples of indigenous materials.

D. That evidence is:

◆ Photographed.

◆ Packaged and preserved in containers.

◆ Labeled (e.g., date, collector’s initials, item number, location).

◆ Recorded in the evidence recovery log.

◆ Secured in the designated storage location.
31

E. The labeling, transportation, and storage of evidence by:

◆ Placing evidence from different locations or searches in

separate external containers.

◆ Labeling evidence for storage and shipment, including

identification of hazards.

◆ Arranging for transportation of the evidence.

Summary: Identification, collection, preservation, and packaging of

evidence must be conducted in a manner that protects the

item, minimizes contamination, and maintains the chain

of custody. These steps assist in establishing the elements of a possible crime and provide the basis for

thorough, accurate, and objective investigation and

prosecution processes.
33

Section F. Completing and Recording the Scene

Investigation

1. Ensure That All Investigative Steps

Are Documented

Principle: To ensure that the permanent record will be complete,

the investigator should review all documentation before

releasing the scene.

Procedure: The investigator should verify that the following have

been addressed:

A. Documentation of major events and time lines related to the

incident.

B. Personnel access log (see the sample in appendix A).

C. Activity log (see the sample in appendix A).

D. Review of interviews and events.

E. Narrative description of the scene (see the sample in appendix A).

F. Photo and video logs (see the sample in appendix A).

G. Diagrams, sketches, and evidence mapping.

H. Evidence recovery log (see the sample in appendix A).

Summary: By accounting for all investigative steps prior to leaving

the scene, the investigator ensures an accurate and

thorough representation of the scene for the permanent

record.

F
34

2. Ensure That Scene Processing

Is Complete

Principle: The scene may be released only upon conclusion of the

onsite investigation and a thorough evidence collection

process.

Procedure: The investigator should perform a critical review of the

scene investigation with all personnel, to include the

following actions:

A. Discuss with team members, including those not present at the

scene, preliminary scene findings and critical issues that arose

during the incident.

B. Ensure that all identified evidence is in custody.

C. Recover and inventory equipment.

D. Decontaminate equipment and personnel.

E. Photograph and/or videotape the final condition of the scene

just before it is released.

F. Address legal considerations.

G. Discuss postscene issues (e.g., forensic testing, insurance

inquiries, interview results, criminal histories).

H. Communicate and document postscene responsibilities.

Summary: The investigator will review the scene investigation to

ensure that it is complete and that postscene issues are

addressed.
35

3. Release the Scene

Principle: The release of the scene must be documented. The

investigator should ensure communication of known

scene-related health and safety issues to a receiving

authority at the time of release.

Procedure: Upon releasing the scene, the investigator should:

A. Address public health and safety issues by performing the

following tasks:

◆ Contacting public utilities.

◆ Evaluating biological and chemical hazards.

◆ Evaluating structural integrity issues.

◆ Assessing environmental issues.

B. Identify a receiving authority for the scene.

C. Ensure disclosure of all known health and safety issues to

a receiving authority.

D. Document the time and date of release, to whom the scene

is being released, and by whom.

Summary: The investigator will ensure communication of known

health and safety issues to a receiving authority upon

releasing the scene and will document the release.

4. Submit Reports to the Appropriate

National Databases

Principle: Detailed technical information regarding explosive

devices is collected, integrated, and disseminated via

national databases. These data help authorities identify

the existence of serial bombers, the sophistication of

explosive devices being used, and the need for uniform

procedures and further development of equipment.
36

Procedure: The investigator or authorized agency’s administration

should submit detailed reports to these databases:

A. Arson and Explosives National Repository (Bureau of Alcohol,

Tobacco and Firearms).

B. Bomb Data Center (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

C. Uniform Crime Reports, National Incident-Based Reporting

System, and National Fire Incident Reporting System.

Summary: The investigator contributes to the compilation of

national databases that identify trends in explosions

and other incidents involving explosives.
37

Following are sample forms that can be adapted for use as needed.

Appendix A. Sample Forms

A1.

A2. Access Control Log

A3. Activity Log

A4. Narrative Description

A5. Photographic Log

A6. Evidence Recovery Log

A7. Evidence Control/Chain of Custody

Consent to Search
38

I,

having been informed of my constitutional right not to have a search made of my premises

without a search warrant and of my right to refuse to consent to such a search, do

authorize Fire or Police Investigator,

(Person giving consent)

(Name of Investigator)

or his designee, to conduct a complete search of my premises known as

for the purpose of establishing the cause of the explosion which occurred at my premises

on .

(Date of explosion)

(Address of property)

I am aware that the search is being conducted to search for evidence of the cause of the

explosion and I agree to allow the above-named investigator or his designee to take

photographs/videotapes of the premises, to remove papers, letters, materials, or other

property, knowing that they may be submitted for forensic examination and testing.

I am aware that the above-named investigator or his designee will be on the premises for

a period of time and I have no objection to their entering and remaining on the premises

for a number of days. This written consent is being given by me voluntarily and without

threats or promises of any kind.

I know that I can refuse to give this consent to search and I am waiving that right signing

this consent.

Person Giving Consent

Witness

Witness

CONSENT TO SEARCH
39

 Date: Starting Time: Platoon: OCA or Dispatch #:

 Type of Crime:

 Location of Crime:

Name Position/Title Time In Time Out

Remarks:

 Initiated By: Initiating Officer:

 Relieved By: Relieving Officer:

 Date/Time Relieved: Date/Time Completed:

 Supervisor’s Signature:

ACCESS CONTROL LOG

Print Name/Call Sign

Print Name/Call Sign

Date Time

Signature

Signature

Date Time

The completed form is to be turned over to the Investigating Detective. Page___ of ___
40

G

ACTIVITY LOG

(Continued)
41

ACTIVITY LOG (Continued)
42
43
44
45

Please Furnish Complete Information

Date

Laboratory #

Delivered by Accepted by

Agency submitting evidence

Suspect(s) Victim(s)

Place and date of offense

Agency case #

Offense

Date of hearing, grand jury, trial, or reason why expeditious handling is necessary

Prev. exams this case

Description of evidence

Copies to

Yes No

Evid. located

Room #

Report to be directed to

Evidence to be returned to

Mailed Back

Picked Up by Contributor

Exams requested

(This space for blocking)

Brief Facts covering case

EVIDENCE CONTROL/CHAIN OF CUSTODY
46

(Continued)
47

Appendix B. Further Reading

Beveridge, A. Forensic Investigation of Explosions. London: Taylor &

Francis Ltd., 1998.

Conkling, J.A. Chemistry of Pyrotechnics and Explosives. New York:

Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1985.

Cook, M.A. The Science of High Explosives. Malabar, Florida: Robert E.

Krieger Publishing Company, 1958, 1985.

Cooper, P.W. Explosives Engineering. New York: Wiley-VCH, 1997.

Cooper, P.W., and S.R. Kurowski. Introduction to the Technology of

Explosives. New York: Wiley-VCH, 1997.

Davis, T.L. The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives. Hollywood,

California: Angriff Press, 1972.

DeHaan, J.D. Kirk’s Fire Investigation. 4th ed. Indianapolis: Brady

Publishing/Prentice Hall, 1997.

Encyclopedia of Explosives and Related Items. Vols. 1–10. Dover,

New Jersey: Picatinny Arsenal, U.S. Army Armament Research and

Development Command, 1960–83.

Kennedy, P.M., and J. Kennedy. Explosion Investigation and Analysis:

Kennedy on Explosions. Chicago: Investigations Institute, 1990.

The ISEE Blaster’s Handbook. 17th ed. Cleveland: International Society

of Explosives Engineers, 1998.

Kohler, J., and R. Meyer. Explosives. 4th, revised and extended ed.

New York: Wiley-VCH, 1993.

Military Explosives. U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Technical Manual

TM 9–1300–214. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Army, 1967.
48

National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 921: Guide for Fire

and Explosion Investigations. Quincy, Massachusetts: National Fire

Protection Association.

Urbanski, T. Chemistry and Technology of Explosives. Vols. 1–4.

New York: Pergamon Press, 1983.

Yinon, J., and S. Zitrin. Modern Methods and Applications in Analysis

of Explosives. New York: Wiley-VCH, 1993.
49

During the review process, drafts of this document were sent to the

following agencies and organizations for comment. While TWGBSI

considered all comments and issues raised by these organizations, this

Guide reflects only the positions of its authors. Mention of the reviewers

is not intended to imply their endorsement.

Appendix C. List of Organizations

Accomack County (VA) Sheriff’s Office

Alaska State Criminal Laboratory

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

American Bar Association

American Correctional Association

American Jail Association

American Prosecutors Research Institute

American Reinsurance Company

American Society of Crime Laboratory

Directors

American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers

Anchorage (AK) Police Department

Arapahoe County (CO) Sheriff’s Office

Armstrong Forensic Laboratory

Association of Federal Defense Attorneys

Bridgeport (MI) Forensic Laboratory

Bristol (VA) Police Department

Broward County (FL) Sheriff’s Office

Brownsville (TX) Police Department

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

Cameron County (TX) Sheriff’s Office

Campaign for Effective Crime Policy

Chicago (IL) Fire Department

Cincinnati (OH) Fire Division

City of Donna (TX) Police Department

City of Inver Grove Heights (MN) Fire Marshal

Clark County (NV) Fire Department

Cleveland State College Basic Police Academy

Commission on Accreditation of Law

Enforcement Agencies

Conference of State Court Administrators

Connecticut State Police Forensic Laboratory

Conyers (GA) Police Department

Council of State Governments

Covington (TN) Fire Department

Criminal Justice Institute

Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office

Drug Enforcement Administration

Edinburg (TX) Police Department

Fairbanks (AK) Police Department

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, U.S.

Department of the Treasury

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Florida State Fire Marshal

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Public Safety Training Center

Town of Goshen (NY) Police Department

Harlingen (TX) Police Department

Hidalgo County (TX) Sheriff’s Office

Illinois State Police

Indiana State Police Laboratory

Institute of Police Technology and Management

International Association for Identification

International Association of Bomb Technicians

and Investigators

International Association of Chiefs of Police

International City/County Management

Association

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation

Laboratory
50

Jefferson Parish (LA) Fire Department

Juneau (AK) Police Department

Laredo (TX) Police Department

Law Enforcement Training Institute

Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department

Maine State Police Crime Laboratory

Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office

Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory

McAllen (TX) Police Department

Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department

Michigan Department of State Police

Mission (TX) Police Department

National Association of Attorneys General

National Association of Black Women Attorneys

National Association of Counties

National Association of Criminal Defense

Lawyers

National Association of Drug Court Professionals

National Association of Police Organizations, Inc.

National Association of Sentencing Commissions

National Association of State Alcohol and Drug

Abuse Directors

National Association of Women Judges

National Black Police Association

National Center for State Courts

National Conference of State Legislatures

National Council on Crime and Delinquency

National Crime Prevention Council

National Criminal Justice Association

National District Attorneys Association

National Governors Association

National Institute of Standards and Technology,

Office of Law Enforcement Standards

National Law Enforcement and Corrections

Technology Centers

National Law Enforcement Council

National League of Cities

National Legal Aid and Defender Association

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement

Executives

National Sheriffs’ Association

New Hampshire State Police Forensic

Laboratory

New Jersey State Police

New York State Office of Fire Prevention and

Control

Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department

Pan American Police Department (Edinburg, TX)

Peace Officer’s Standards and Training

Pennsylvania State Police Laboratory

Pharr (TX) Police Department

Pinellas County (FL) Forensic Laboratory

Police Executive Research Forum

Police Foundation

Port Authority of NY & NJ Police

Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory

St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Department

San Diego (CA) Police Department

Sitka (AK) Police Department

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Suffolk County (NY) Crime Laboratory

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy

Texas Rangers Department of Public Safety

Tucson (AZ) Police Department

U.S. Border Patrol

U.S. Conference of Mayors

Utah State Crime Scene Academy

Webb County (TX) Sheriff’s Department

Weslaco (TX) Police Department

Willacy County (TX) Sheriff’s Office

Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory
51

Appendix D. Investigative and Technical Resources

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and

Firearms*

Headquarters Enforcement

Operations Center

888–ATF–BOMB

202–927–8050

URL: http://www.atf.treas.gov

Arson and Explosives National

Repository

800–461–8841

202–927–4590

Arson and Explosives Programs

Division

202–927–7930

National Laboratory

301–762–9800

Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC®)

800–262–8200

URL: http://www.chemtrec.org

Environmental Protection

Agency

National Response Center

800–424–8802

URL: http://www.epa.gov

Federal Bureau of Investigation*

Bomb Data Center (preblast

issues)

202–324–2696

URL: http://www.fbi.gov

Explosives Unit (postblast issues)

202–324–4341

Federal Emergency Management

Agency

U.S. Fire Administration

202–447–1000

URL: http://www.usfa.fema.gov

Institute of Makers of Explosives

202–429–9280

URL: http://www.ime.org

Depending on jurisdiction, an investigator’s initial points of contact

should be his or her State or local fire marshal’s office and/or State

police. Following is a list of resources that may be useful for further

investigative or technical information and assistance. This list should

not be considered all-inclusive.

A current list of institutions that can provide training in explosion/

bombing scene investigation is available from the National Center for

Forensic Science.

Appendix D. Investigative and Technical Resources
52

International Association of

Arson Investigators

314–739–4224

URL: http://www.fireinvestigators.org

International Association

of Bomb Technicians and

Investigators

941–353–6843

URL: http://www.iabti.org

International Society of

Explosives Engineers

440–349–4004

URL: http://www.isee.org

National Center for Forensic

Science

407–823–6469

URL: http://www.ncfs.ucf.edu

National Fire Protection

Association

617–770–3000

URL: http://www.nfpa.org

National Institute of Standards

and Technology

Building and Fire Research

Laboratory

301–975–6850

URL: http://www.bfrl.nist.gov

Royal Canadian Mounted Police*

Canadian Bomb Data Center

613–993–7880

URL: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/

U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard

Investigation Board

202–261–7600

URL: http://www.chemsafety.gov

U.S. Postal Inspection Service*

Forensic/Technical Services

Division

703–406–7100

URL: http://www.usps.gov/

websites/depart/inspect/

* These are sources for criminal investigative assistance.