Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 02/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
__________________ ___
416 - Response to Bomb Calls 1 POLICY 416 RESPONSE TO BOMB CALLS
416.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
These guidelines have been prepared to assist officers in their initial response to incidents
involving explosives, explosive devices, or explosion/bombing incidents. Under no circumstances
shou ld these guidelines be interpreted as compromising the safety of first responders or the
public. When confronted with an incident involving explosives, safety shall always be the primary
consideration.
416.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertai ns to the following CALEA Standards: 41.2.4 , 46.1.2 , 46.1.4
This section pertains to the following Standard Operating Procedures: N/A
416.1.2 ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION
The response to a bomb or explosive device can , by its magnitude and danger , be con sidered a
″Critical Incident ″. If the response, evacuation or management of the call is significant , it should
be organized and operated in accordance with the ″All-Hazard Plan ″ utilizing the structure of the
Incident Command System ( ICS). See § 206 of this Manual.
416.2 FOUND EXPLOSIVES/SUSPECT DEVICES
When handling an incident involving a suspected explosive device, the following guidelines
should be followed:
a) No known or suspected explosive item should be considered safe regardless of its
size or apparent pac kaging . The appropriate bomb squad or military explosive
ordnance disposal team sh ould be summoned for assistance;
b) A minimum perimeter of three hundred feet should be established around the device.
An access point should be provided f or support personnel ;
c) As much information as is available should be promptly relayed to the Watch
Commander , including:
1. The stated threat ;
2. Exact comments ;
3. Time of discovery,
4. Exact location of the device ;
5. Full description (e.g., size, shape, markings , and c onstruction ) of the device .
d) The device should not be touched or moved except by qualified bomb squad
personnel;
e) All equipment within 300 feet of the suspected device capable of producing radio
frequency energy should be turned off. This includes two -way r adios, cell phones, and
other personal communication devices;
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 02/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
__________________ ___
416 - Response to Bomb Calls 2 f) Consideration should be given to evacuati ng any buildings near the device;
g) A search of the area should be conducted for secondary devices or other objects that
are hazardous or foreign to the ar ea; and a perimeter should be established around
any add itional suspicious device found;
h) Explosive or military ord nance of any type should be handled only by the Bomb Squad
or military ordnance disposal found.
416.3 EXPLOSION/BOMBING INCIDENTS
When an explosion has occurred, there are multitudes of considerations which may confront the
responding officer s. As in other catastrophic incidents, a rapid response may help to minimize
injury to victims, contamination of the scene by gathering crowds, or addit ional damage by
resulting fires or unstable structures .
Whether the explosion was the result of an accident or a criminal act, the responding officers
should consider the following actions :
a) Assess the scope of the incident, including the number of vict ims and extent of
injuries;
b) Assist with f irst aid (Fire Department has primary responsibility) ;
c) Assist with e vacuation of victims (Fire Department has primary responsibility) ;
d) Identify and take appropriate precautions to mitigate scene hazards such as coll apsed
structures, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous materials, and secondary explosive
devices;
e) Request additional resources as needed;
f) Identify witnesses;
g) Preserve evidence.
416.3.1 NOTIFICATIONS
When an explosion has occurred, the following people shall be notified as soon as practica ble if
their assistance is needed:
a) Fire Department ;
b) Bomb Squad ;
c) Additional Officers ;
d) Field Supervisor ;
e) Watch Commander ;
f) Detectives ;
g) Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC);
h) CSI.
416.3.2 CROWD CONTROL
Only au thorized personnel with a legitimate need shall be permitted access to the scene.
Spectators and unauthorized individuals shall be excluded to a safe distance as is reasonably
practicable given the available resources and personnel .
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 02/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
__________________ ___
416 - Response to Bomb Calls 3 416.3.3 SCENE OF IN CIDENT
As in any other crime scene, steps should immediately be taken to preserve the scene. The
scene could extend over a long distance. Evidence may be imbedded in nearby structures or
hanging in trees and bushes.
416.4 BOMB THREATS RECEIVED AT POLIC E FACILITY
This procedure shall be followed should a bomb threat call be received at the Police facility .
416.4.1 BOMB THREATS RECEIVED BY