NCJ Number
150978
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 63 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1994) Pages: 18-21
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Mutual aid agreements among police agencies to establish bomb squads are a sound approach due to the relatively high cost of equipment and training combined with the specific mission of public safety.
Abstract
Today's public safety bomb squads are significantly more advanced in handling improvised explosive devises than were squads of just 15 years ago. Strong emphasis on standard operating procedures, safety, remote render-safe procedures, robotics, and improved bomb suit design and construction have reduced the frequency of injuries to bomb technicians. The National Guidelines for Bomb Technicians were established in 1987 under the direction of the FBI Bomb Data Center and specify both safety equipment and training. Establishing and maintaining a squad is costly; the essential equipment for a two-person squad can cost $25,000. Florida and New Jersey offer distinct and viable alternatives to establishing and maintaining explosive disposal units through interagency cooperation. Florida's Mutual Aid Act went into effect in June 1981; the central Florida model is an excellent example of multijurisdictional cooperation. A smaller scale arrangement exists in New Jersey between the Clifton Police Department and the Passaic County Sheriff's Department. Notes and photographs