Practical Bomb Scene Investigation is an accessible step-by-step guide through the postblast investigative process.

Features:

• Provides full color photographs of bomb scenes, explosives, military ordnance, and bomb components
• Uses case studies that emphasize the benefits of an organized, methodical approach to investigations
• Illustrates the characteristics of commercial, military, and improvised explosives through the extensive use of spread sheets
• Includes examples of evidence documentation, chain of custody, and scene administration forms
• Addresses safety issues such as military ordnance identification procedures, as well as features of biological, chemical, and radiological materials
• Explains the term "Bomber's Signature" and its significance to the investigator

Contents

Explosion Theory and Dynamics

• The Scientific Method
• Explosives
• Types of Explosives
• Classification and Sensitivity of Explosives
• Explosive Performance
• Firing Trains
• Additional Characteristics of Explosives
• Accountability of Explosives and Explosives Detection
• Explosions

Identification and Recognition of Commercial and Military Explosives

• A Short History of Explosives
• Low Explosives
• Commercial High Explosives
• Water-Based Products
• Boosters
• Binary Explosives
• Sheet Explosives
• Foreign Explosives
• U.S. Military Explosives
• Improvised Explosives
• Initiation Systems and Components

Improvised Explosive Device Components - Pre- and Post-Blast Identification

• Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
• Fuzing Systems
• The Investigative Process

The Investigation of the Explosion Scene and Collection of Evidence

• Investigative Outline
• Evaluation of the Explosion Scene
• Entering the Scene
• Documentation of the Scene
• Where to Find Evidence at the Bomb Scene
• How to Find Evidence at the Bomb Scene
• How to Collect Evidence at the Bomb Scene
• Final Survey
• Release of the Scene
• Submission of Evidence to the Laboratory
• The Field Investigation

The Bomb Scene Investigator and Weapons of Mass Destruction

• Types of WMD
• Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Materials
• WMD: Hazards
• Determining WMD Presence
• WMD Protection Methods
• Key Issues for Investigating a WMD Scene

An Introduction to the Identification of Military Ordnance

• Physical Characteristics of Military Ordnance
• Identification Features of Military Ordnance
• Dropped Ordnance (Bombs)
• Projected Ordnance (Projectiles, Rockets and Missiles)
• Thrown Ordnance (Grenades)
• Placed Ordnance (Mines)

Capabilities of the Forensic Laboratory - Reading the Bombers' Signature

• Laboratory Capabilities in the Examination of IEDs
• Reading the Bombers' Signature

Index

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