A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation
A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation
20 ◆ Ensure that the scene has been secured, that a perimeter and staging areas for the investigation have been established, and that all personnel have been advised of the need to prevent contamination of the scene. ◆ Ensure that the chain of custody is initiated for evidence that may have been previously collected. D. Assess legal considerations for scene access (e.g., exigent circumstances, consent, administrative/criminal search warrants). Summary: The investigator will conduct a briefing to ensure scene safety and security, while addressing the issue of secondary devices. 2. Ensure Scene Integrity Principle: The investigator must ensure the integrity of the scene by establishing security perimeters and staging areas, contamination control procedures, and evidence collection and control procedures. Procedure: Prior to evidence collection, the investigator should: A. Establish procedures to document personnel entering and exiting the scene. B. Establish and document procedures to prevent scene contamination. C. Establish and document procedures for evidence collection, control, and chain of custody (see the sample evidence recovery and chain of custody logs in appendix A). Summary: The investigator will establish and document procedures to protect the integrity of the scene.
3. Conduct the Scene Walkthrough Principle: The investigator must conduct a walkthrough to establish scene parameters and acquire an overview of the incident. Procedure: During the scene walkthrough, the investigator should: A. Reevaluate scene requirements (e.g., boundaries, personnel, equipment). B. Establish an entry and exit path for personnel. C. Be alert to safety concerns (e.g., structural damage, secondary devices, unconsumed explosive materials, failed utilities, hazardous materials) and to the locations of physical evidence. D. Ensure preservation and/or collection of transient evidence. E. Attempt to locate the seat(s) of the explosion(s). Summary: The investigator’s initial walkthrough will be an opportunity to identify evidence and the presence of safety hazards. 4. Secure Required Resources Principle: Following the walkthrough, the investigator should meet with available emergency responders and investigative personnel to determine what resources, equipment, and additional personnel may be needed. Procedure: During the course of this meeting, the investigator should: A. Assess the nature and scope of the investigation through information obtained during the walkthrough and from all available personnel. 21
- Page 1 and 2: U.S. Department of Justice Office o
- Page 3 and 4: About the National Institute of Jus
- Page 5 and 6: Julie E. Samuels Acting Director Da
- Page 7 and 8: iv In developing its investigative
- Page 9 and 10: Technical Working Group for Bombing
- Page 11 and 12: Acknowledgments The National Instit
- Page 13 and 14: Contents Message From the Attorney
- Page 15 and 16: Introduction “I had imagined that
- Page 17 and 18: eached a high of 2,438 in 1994 and
- Page 19 and 20: Technical Working Group for Bombing
- Page 21 and 22: ◆ Documenting the scene. ◆ Proc
- Page 23 and 24: A Guide for Explosion and Bombing S
- Page 25 and 26: Section A. Procuring Equipment and
- Page 27 and 28: ◆ Measuring equipment (e.g., fore
- Page 29 and 30: Section B. Prioritizing Initial Res
- Page 31 and 32: Summary: To ensure safety, first re
- Page 33: Section C. Evaluating the Scene Not
- Page 37 and 38: Section D. Documenting the Scene 1.
- Page 39 and 40: C. Establish each witness’ relati
- Page 41 and 42: 28 2. Organize Evidence Processing
- Page 43 and 44: 30 ◆ Packaging method. ◆ Miscel
- Page 45 and 46: Section F. Completing and Recording
- Page 47 and 48: 3. Release the Scene Principle: The
- Page 49 and 50: Appendix A. Sample Forms Following
- Page 51 and 52: Date: Starting Time: Platoon: OCA o
- Page 53: ACTIVITY LOG (Continued) 41
- Page 58 and 59: 46 (Continued)
- Page 60 and 61: 48 National Fire Protection Associa
- Page 62 and 63: 50 Jefferson Parish (LA) Fire Depar
- Page 64: 52 International Association of Ars
3. Conduct the <strong>Scene</strong> Walkthrough<br />
Principle: The investigator must conduct a walkthrough to establish<br />
scene parameters <strong>and</strong> acquire an overview of the<br />
incident.<br />
Procedure: During the scene walkthrough, the investigator should:<br />
A. Reevaluate scene requirements (e.g., boundaries, personnel,<br />
equipment).<br />
B. Establish an entry <strong>and</strong> exit path <strong>for</strong> personnel.<br />
C. Be alert to safety concerns (e.g., structural damage, secondary<br />
devices, unconsumed explosive materials, failed utilities, hazardous<br />
materials) <strong>and</strong> to the locations of physical evidence.<br />
D. Ensure preservation <strong>and</strong>/or collection of transient evidence.<br />
E. Attempt to locate the seat(s) of the explosion(s).<br />
Summary: The investigator’s initial walkthrough will be an opportunity<br />
to identify evidence <strong>and</strong> the presence of safety<br />
hazards.<br />
4. Secure Required Resources<br />
Principle: Following the walkthrough, the investigator should meet<br />
with available emergency responders <strong>and</strong> investigative<br />
personnel to determine what resources, equipment, <strong>and</strong><br />
additional personnel may be needed.<br />
Procedure: During the course of this meeting, the investigator<br />
should:<br />
A. Assess the nature <strong>and</strong> scope of the investigation through in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
obtained during the walkthrough <strong>and</strong> from all available<br />
personnel.<br />
21
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