NCJ Number
139448
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 59 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 59-61,63,67
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Bomb technicians not only detonate explosive devices, but also classify devices, estimate damage, tell officials what areas to evacuate, and determine appropriate actions to take in the event of a bomb threat or incident.
Abstract
According to the 1991 Bomb Summary of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), total incidents in the past 10 years have increased from 1,142 to 2,499. By the end of 1993, the figure will reach 3,000. The FBI's Bomb Data Center indicates that bomb technicians should be practical, have good judgment, be thoughtful and methodical, and be meticulous in making decisions. Police department administrators should choose bomb technician candidates who have at least 5 years experience with the department, and who will stay with the department at least another 5 years. Bomb technicians are usually trained at the Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Working in conjunction with the FBI's Bomb Data Center, this 4-week school provides indepth training on various types of explosives, electricity, and electrical circuits and fuses. The training also covers tools, equipment, techniques, fragment and residue analysis, bomb reassembly, the use of detonation containers and related equipment, and explosive device classification. Bomb technicians are required to return for training at least once every 3 years, an activity funded entirely by the Bomb Data Center. Retraining includes more sophisticated scenarios than those encountered in the 4-week course, as well as information on current trends and new technology. Bomb technicians must wear a suit that typically weighs between 60 and 80 pounds and protects against 240-270 degree heat. They must be skilled in the use of bomb transport and containment vessels, robots, detection equipment, and protective equipment such as blankets and barriers.