NCJ Number
192991
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2002 Pages: 75-79
Date Published
2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviews a training course by Mirage Technologies International on bomb threat recognition for law enforcement special units of the U.S. military at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. There is also some discussion regarding the use of mechanical aids to deal with bombs.
Abstract
The course included various methods used to detect bombs: confidential informants, written or verbal threats, physical search of the area, explosive detection K-9, electronic fluoroscopes, vapor detection, and residue and trace element sprays. The course involved using a sedan similar to a law enforcement or military vehicle. The instructor, T.J. Hill, a former career military special operations soldier and explosives specialist, showed how terrorists will step in front of traffic to slow a targeted vehicle so another member can place a magnetic bomb on the roof of the car. The primary locations for attaching a bomb to a vehicle are car seats, under vehicles, gas tanks, and wheel wells. Other terrorist bomb tactics are detailed. Another factor explored in this article is the use of mechanical aids. The tools of the trade include X-ray equipment, the bomb van’s computer equipment, a ramp for the Andros robot, and a trailer born, total containment vessel for explosive devices. Protection includes a bomb suit called the EOD-8. It provides protection against four blast threats: over pressure, fragmentation, impact, and heat. A cool suit to cool the body, helmet, hand protection system, and hand wire communication system is available and considered part of the suit. There are also hazardous duty robots. These are wheeled or tracked, heavy-duty all terrain vehicles. These robots take X-rays and feature a manipulator arm, gripper, TV cameras, lights, and a two-way audio system.