BOMB INVESTIGATIONS

Alex B. Yanquiling Jr., Ph.D. FBINA 217

SECTION I The Bomb Incident Investigator
SECTION II BOMBS Weapons of the
Criminal Offender
SECTION III The Bomb Incident
Investigation
SECTION IV Laboratory Examinations
The Bomb Incident
Investigator
The Investigation of a bomb incident is not a new
situation for the experienced investigator. The
basics remains the same and only a few unique
features require consideration. The purpose of this
presentation is to provide an investigative outline
of the tasks that should be considered at every
explosion scene. To ensure that proper procedures
are used to locate, identify, collect and preserve
valuable evidence so that it can be examined to
produce the most useful and effective
information.
Sherlock Holmes, the master of
detectives, considered it essential to
be excruciatingly disciplined in his
approach to looking for evidence at a
crime scene. While it is imperative
that all investigators apply discipline
in their search for evidence, it is
apparent that few do so in the
same way.







Successful bomb investigations rely more
on investigative expertise than on
expertise which is concerned with the
technical aspects of a bomb.

The Police objective is the detection of the
violations of law, and the gathering of physical
or trace evidence to identify and successfully
prosecute the responsible individual (s). Often
investigators are unsuccessful in their efforts
because they lack experience with such
cases,and are affected by the technical aspects
of the device or magnitude of the damage done
by a bomb






Bomb related investigations are
undoubtedly more time consuming
and challenging than many other
investigations; however, there is no
reason to conclude that success is
impossible. The principal requisite for
the desired results is simply a
concerted and disciplined effort








To understand a crime involving the
use of a bomb, the investigator
should consider the bomb to be an
instrument of the criminal offense or
simply an illegal weapon used in the
commission of a crime
The bomb technician is chiefly
concerned with the nature and functioning
of the device. The investigators concern
in this area is limited to only that amount
of technical information which will provide
fruitful investigative leads and serve to
link or clear suspects developed.






INVESTIGATVE OBJECTIVES

In order to sustain a successful prosecution,
a prosecutor will normally require the
investigator to provide ample evidence that
the person charged has Motive, Opportunity
and Means







For Example:
Shabu addict needs money to buy drugs
(Motive); shabu addict identified by jeepney
holdup victims as the person who poked a gun
in a threatening manner during the robbery and
then fled in a waiting Honda motorcycle
(Opportunity). Suspects arrested on board the
said motorcycle and with a gun in his
possession during a check point (Means).
Intelligent assessment and consideration is
frequently essential to sort out the MOTIVE,
OPPORTUNITY and MEANS necessary to
provide direction to the investigation.






MOTIVE
The use of a bomb device, real or hoax can be a
result of virtually any motivational factor. Common
motives cross the spectrum of human behavior and
range from experimentation to murder, suicide to
intimidation, and vandalism to destruction of an area to
conceal another crime.
Another facet of motive which is some what
unique to the bomb incident is whether or not the
explosion was intentional. If it was accidental,it is
necessary to determine whether the explosion was a
result of adjunct factors (industrial accident) or involved
a bomb device.
It is often difficult to determine if any victims
involved were innocent bystanders or makers of the
device. Determining Motive is complex and needs
appropriate consideration.
What Was the Motive
Vengeance
Monetary Gain
Recognition
Malicious Destruction
Hate
Extortion/Insurance Fraud
Political Extremism
Terrorism
Love
Etc.
Opportunity
In the course of the normal investigation, it
is customary to pursue avenues of
investigation which show that the suspect
was at the crime scene when the crime was
committed.
Remember: In many bomb cases, however, the
suspect may not be at or near the scene and this
can complicate the determination of opportunity









Through a thorough processing of the
crime scene, the investigator may be able
to determine what caused the bomb to
go off. There are basically three ways to
initiate a bomb, insofar as the investigator
is concerned.

In order to develop leads which will
result in the establishment of the
suspects opportunity to commit the
offense, the investigator needs to have an
appreciation of these methods.
THREE WAYS TO INITIATE A BOMB
Time Device once initiated requires no further
action and after a lapse of time will function.
Action Device designed to function when a
victim does something which triggers the initiation
system. Such a method is often referred to as a
booby trapped bomb.
Command Device is initiated by the subject,
usually by a remote method.








Insofar as the establishment of opportunity is
concerned, the method of initiation is significant.
For example, if a command type device was
used, the subject would have had to have an
opportunity to place the bomb device. In some
cases, this will involve the substitution of one
container for a similar one which contains the
bomb.

When a time initiative method is used, the
opportunity covers a larger and often
undetermined period of time. Many of these
devices are placed in public areas to which any
number of persons may have access.
MEANS
Criminal prosecutions of persons involved in crime in which weapon
was used should ideally provide evidence to link the suspect to that
weapon. This may be done directly by showing that the suspect
purchased a gun which was subsequently identified as a murder
weapon or by locating a fingerprint on the suspect on the weapon left
at the crime scene.
Means can be established by showing that the suspect purchased
components used in the fabrication of the bomb device or that he can
be linked to the theft of the device or portions of it.
Unlike other crimes, however, it may be possible to show means by
locating the place where the bomb weapon was constructed.
A bomb suspect may be somewhat more careless about leaving
fingerprints on a bomb, in the belief that all prints would be destroyed
in the holocaust of explosion.
Suspect Development
Many suspects will have motive, opportunity, or
means; some may have two or three. The suspect
who has all the three will be the subject of the
most intensive investigation.
Analysis of the I ncident
Another area which requires some modified thinking is the
investigators analysis of the incident. A proper analysis of what
happened and why it happened can also help to provide the
investigator with the information that will allow him to better develop
and evaluate leads. Specifically, three areas should be definitively
examined.
Three Factors
1. Design of the bomb
2. Target
3. Victim
NOTE: Analysis of these factors will also be helpful in
determining motive, opportunity and means, and
achieving successful prosecution.
UNLESS THE INVESTIGATOR UNDERSTAND THE BOMB
INCIDENT, THE DIRECTION AND SCOPE OF HIS
INVESTIGATIVE ACTIVITIES MAY SUFFER. AN ANALYSIS
OF THE INCIDENT SHOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION
THE DESIGN AND FUNCTIONING OF THE BOMB DEVICE,
AS WELL AS THE TARGET OR THE VICTIM INVOLVED
Evaluating the Scene
NOTE: At the time the scene is determined to involve a
bombing or other crime, the investigator must address legal
requirements for scene access, search and evidence seizure.
DEFINING THE INVESTIGATOR ROLE
Principle: The investigator must coordinate with the incident
commander and first responders to determine what
occurred and to assess the current situation. Subsequent
procedures will vary depending on the magnitude of the
incident.
Procedure
Upon arriving at and prior to entering the scene,
the investigator should:
A. Identify and introduce himself to the incident commander.
B. Interview the incident commander and first responders to evaluate
the situation, including safety concerns, and determine the level of
investigative assistance needed.
C. Conduct a briefing with essential personnel (e.g., law enforcement,
fire, EMS, hazardous materials, and utility services personnel) to:
1. Evaluate initial scene safety to the extent possible prior to entry.
2. Ensure that search for secondary explosive devices has been conducted.
3. 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.
4. Ensure that the chain of custody is initiated for evidence that may have been
previously collected.






Summary

The Investigator will conduct a briefing to
ensure scene safety and security, while
addressing the issue of secondary
devices.

CAUTION:
Only bomb disposal personnel
should handle any suspected devices that
are located. Take no further action until
the devices have been identified or
rendered safe.

Ensure Scene Safety
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.
Procedures: Prior to evidence collection, the investigator should:
1. Establish procedures to document personnel entering and exiting the
scene.
2. Establish and document procedures for evidence collection, control,
and chain of custody
3. Establish and document procedures to prevent scene contamination.

SUMMARY: The investigator will establish and document procedures to
protect the integrity of the scene.
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. Evaluate scene requirements (boundaries, personnel and equipment)
b. Establish an entry and exit path for personnel
c. Be alert to safety concerns (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 investigators initial walkthrough will be an opportunity to
identify evidence and presence of safety hazards.
EXPLOSIVES AND
EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
OVERVIEW
1. Proactive manner of instruction, not a replacement for
calling a bomb squad
2. You will become familiar with recognizing various types
of explosives, explosive making materials/chemicals,
explosive components, and weapons of mass destruction
(WMDs)
3. Reporting explosive activity to your local PNP/AFP
units is critical in searching out terrorists cells and
stopping their planned reign of terror before it occurs.









Reactive vs. Reactive
We must reprioritize from reactive
responses to proactive responses
taking the lead.
PROACTIVE APPROACH INCLUDES:
1. Knowing where large quantities of fuels and oxidizers are
purchased, and knowing the licensed explosive
manufacturers/distributors in your area.
2. Visiting these establishment and asking them to call
when large quantities are ordered/replaced.
3. Inform all explosive and chemical dealers that any
suspicious activity (arriving in rental vehicles/dialects and
conversation) should be reported.
4. Reporting any information of explosive usage/possession
to your local PNP units.
Example:
This is our locality where would I go to purchase 50 gallons
of nitro methane/diesel and 100 kilos of ammonium nitrate?


An Explosive
Proportions of a fuel and an oxidizer, when
manufactured to be utilized as an explosive and
when provided the proper stimuli, may explode.
FUELS
Generally defined as anything that will burn
Most fuels are dark in color
COMMON FUELS
1. Red phosphorus
2. Powdered aluminum
3. Sulfur
4. Diesel Fuel
5. Sugar
6. Petroleum Jelly (vaseline)
7. Nito Methane

OXIDIXERS
Defined as oxygen providers
Critical in any oxidation/explosion
Most are solid and white to light colored
Common Oxidizers
1. Potassium Chlorate or per chlorate
2. Sodium Chlorate
3. Ammonium Nitrate
4. Sodium Nitrate or Sodium Chlorate

Transporting Oxidizers
Never, ever place fuels and oxidizers
together for transportation
If a container of fuel red phosphorus is
placed next to a container of the oxidizer
potassium chlorate and just the residues
on the outside of each container touch
there will be a violent explosion.
Acid
Defined as base chemical that is most commonly
utilized in nitrating, or chemically mixing,
various other chemicals to form a sensitive
compound.
EXAMPLES OF COMPLEX EXPLOSIVES
1. TATP Hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, acetone
2. RDX a military explosive that is mixed with a
plasticizer to form C-4
3. HMTD hydrogen peroxide, hexamine citric
4. Sem tex RDX, PETN, and rubber
Explosive Safety Data Sheet
Explosive Instruction Sheet
1. Know how to identify an explosive instruction sheet.
2. Accompanies all boxes of commercial explosives
3. Often discarded or left behind by terrorist/eextremist bombers
4. Finding one infers that someone:
- has stolen commercial/military explosives
- is using commercial explosives
5. Large quantities (hundreds of kilos) are difficult to obtain without detection or
raising suspicion, and they are costly.
6. Military explosives require an inside person
7. Manufacturing high explosives is preferred due to
- Ease of material acquisition availability and cost
- often does not raise suspicion when individual components are purchased
-No special skills required to mix and just add correct portions of fuel and oxidizer
together.
High Explosives - Dynamites
Date, Shift Codes and Lot Numbers
Date Shift Codes (DSCs), by law, are present on all
sticks of dynamites and all boxes that contain
commercial explosives products.
MILITARY explosives containers utilize Lot Numbers in lieu
of DSCs
-Provide a method of tracing the product, to include
1. ID of the product
2. Place Date and Shift of manufacture
3. Where the product was shipped and sold