1 Explosion Theory and Dynamics 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Scientific Method 2
1.3 Explosives 4
1.4 Types of Explosives 4
1.5 Classification and Sensitivity of Explosives 13
1.6 Explosive Performance 16
1.7 Firing Trains 16
1.8 Additional Characteristics of Explosives 18
1.9 Accountability of Explosives and Explosives Detection 23
1.10 Explosions 25
1.10.1 Types of Explosions 25
1.10.2 Explosion Effects 29
1.11 Explosion Scene Investigation 37
1.12 Summary 38
Review Questions 38
References and Additional Reading 39
2 Identification and Recognition of Commercial,Improvised, and Military Explosives 41
2.1 Introduction 41
2.2 Short History of Explosives 42
2.3 Low Explosives 45
2.3.1 Black Powder 45
2.3.2 Pyrodex 47
2.3.3 Photoflash Powder 48
2.3.4 Smokeless Powder 49
2.4 Commercial High Explosives 54
2.4.1 Primary Explosives 54
2.4.1.1 Lead Azide 54
2.4.1.2 Lead Styphnate 55
2.4.1.3 Mercury Fulminate 55
2.4.1.4 Diazodinitrophenol 55
2.4.1.5 Tetrazene 55
2.4.2 Secondary Explosives 55
2.4.2.1 Ammonium Nitrate 56
2.4.2.2 Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) 59
2.4.2.3 Nitroglycerin 62
2.4.2.4 Dynamite 63
2.5 Water-Based Products 69
2.5.1 Water Gel or Slurry Explosives 69
2.5.2 Emulsion Explosives 71
2.5.2.1 Trinitrotoluene (TNT) 74
2.5.2.2 PentaerythritolTetranitrate (PETN) 74
2.5.2.3 Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine (RDX) 75
2.6 Boosters 75
2.7 Binary Explosives 78
2.8 Sheet Explosives 80
2.9 Foreign Explosives 80
2.10 United States Military Explosives 82
2.10.1 Trinitrotoluene Charges (TNT) 83
2.10.2 Composition 4 (C-4) 83
2.10.3 Sheet Explosives 84
2.10.4 Military Dynamite 86
2.11 Improvised Explosives 86
2.12 Initiation Systems and Components 94
2.12.1 Initiators 95
2.12.1.1 Safety and Hobby Fuse 95
2.12.1.2 Fuse Lighter 96
2.12.1.3 Detonating Cord 97
2.12.1.4 Shock Tube 100
2.12.1.5 Thermo Tube 102
2.12.1.6 Detonator 102
2.13 Chapter Summary 113
Review Questions 114
References and Additional Reading 114
3 Improvised Explosive Device Components: Pre- and Post-Blast Identification 117
3.1 Introduction 117
3.2 Improvised Explosive Devices 118
3.2.1 Factors Affecting Improvised Explosive Device Construction 118
3.2.2 Basic Components of the Improvised Explosive Device 120
3.2.3 Primary Effect Provided by Type of Improvised Explosive Devices 120
3.2.4 Appearance of an Improvised Explosive Device 123
3.2.5 Components of the Improvised Explosive Device 127
3.2.5.1 Initiators 128
3.2.5.2 Containers 130
3.2.5.3 Electrical Components 139
3.2.5.4 Timing Mechanisms 152
3.2.5.5 Shrapnel 156
3.2.5.6 Adhesives 156
3.2.5.7 Tape 157
3.2.5.8 Wood 157
3.2.5.9 Paper 157
3.2.5.10 Fasteners 157
3.2.5.11 Nonelectrical Wire 158
3.3 Fuzing Systems 158
3.4 Investigative Process 180
3.5 Chapter Summary 183
Review Questions 184
References and Additional Reading 184
4 Investigation of the Explosion Scene and Collection of Evidence 185
4.1 Introduction 185
4.2 Investigative Outline 186
4.2.1 InitialResponse 187
4.2.2 Evaluation of the Explosion Scene 195
4.2.2.1 Evaluation and Establishment of Scene Perimeters, Inner and Outer, and Scene Security 196
4.2.2.2 Establishment of a Command Post Location for the Crime Scene Investigation Team 196
4.2.2.3 Establishment of Documentation Procedures to Account for Personnel Entering and Exiting the Scene 197
4.2.2.4 Establishment of Entry and Exit Paths for Crime Scene Investigation Team Members 197
4.2.2.5 Establishment of Staging Areas for Team Members 198
4.2.2.6 Safety (to the Extent Possible) for Entry by the Investigation Team 198
4.2.2.7 Level of Investigative Assistance and Resources Required 199
4.2.2.8 Whether a Search Warrant or Permission to Search Is Required 199
4.2.2.9 What Documentation Procedures Will Be Utilized for Evidence Collection, Control, and Chain of Custody 199
4.2.2.10 What Procedures Will Be Utilized to Prevent Scene Contamination 199
4.2.2.11 Scene Walk-Through 200
4.2.2.12 Attempt to Locate the Epicenter of the Explosion 201
4.2.2.13 Personnel, Supplies, and Equipment Resources 209
4.2.3 Entering the Scene (Scene Investigation) 212
4.2.3.1 Entering the Scene 214
4.2.4 Documentation of the Explosion Scene 215
4.2.5 Where to Find Evidence at the Bomb Scene 240
4.2.6 How to Find Evidence at the Bomb Scene 243
4.2.7 How to Collect Evidence at the Bomb Scene 253
4.2.7.1 Special Situations for Evidence Collection 258
4.2.8 Final Survey 259
4.2.9 Release of the Scene 260
4.2.9.1 Submission of Evidence to the Laboratory 261
4.2.10 Field (or Outside) Investigation 263
4.2.10.1 Where to Start the Field Investigation 264
4.2.10.2 Determining the Explosives Weight of the Improvised Explosive Device 268
4.2.10.3 Post-Investigation: The Investigative Report 274
4.3 Summary 277
Review Questions 278
References and Additional Reading 278
5 Bomb Scene Investigator and Weapons of Mass Destruction 281
5.1 Introduction 281
5.2 Types of Weapons of Mass Destruction 282
5.3 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Materials 285
5.3.1 Nuclear Materials 285
5.3.2 Biological Materials 290
5.3.2.1 BiologicalMicroorganisms Classifications 291
5.3.3 Chemical Agents 298
5.4 Weapons of Mass Destruction Hazards 304
5.5 Determining the Presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction 305
5.6 Weapons of Mass Destruction Protection Methods 313
5.7 Key Issues for Investigating a Weapons of Mass Destruction Scene 316
5.7.1 Preincident Planning 316
5.7.2 Determining Whether a WMD Was Used 317
5.7.3 Assessing Scene Control and Security 317
5.7.4 Ensuring That Appropriate Protection Methods Are Employed 318
5.7.5 Addressing Immediate Life Safety Hazards 318
5.7.6 Contacting Appropriate Outside Agencies for Assistance 318
5.7.7 Identifying and Preserving Evidence 320
5.8 Summary 320
Review Questions 321
References and Additional Reading 321
6 Introduction to the Identification of Military Ordnance 323
6.1 Introduction 323
6.2 Definitions 325
6.3 Physical Characteristics of Military Ordnance 326
6.4 Identification Features of Military Ordnance 329
6.4.1 Dropped Ordnance 330
6.4.2 Projected Ordnance 336
6.4.3 Thrown Ordnance 349
6.4.4 Placed Ordnance 356
6.5 Chapter Summary 360
Review Questions 361
References and Additional Reading 361
7 Capabilities of the Forensic Laboratory: Reading the Bomber's Signature 363
7.1 Introduction 363
7.2 Laboratory Capabilities in the Examination of Improvised Explosive Devices 369
7.2.1 Device Reconstruction 369
7.2.2 Explosive Residue Analysis 371
7.2.3 Latent Fingerprint Examinations 372
7.2.4 Materials Analysis 372
7.2.5 Document Examinations 373
7.2.6 Toolmark Examinations 374
7.2.7 Metallurgical Examinations 374
7.2.8 DNA Analysis 375
7.3 Reading the Bomber's Signature 377
7.3.1 Introduction 377
7.4 Chapter Review 380
Review Questions 381
References and Additional Reading 381
8 Tactical Post-Blast Investigation 383
8.1 Introduction 383
8.2 Tactical Scene Investigative Outline 384
8.3 Organization of the Investigative Team:Personnel and Equipment 384
8.4 Route Security and Access to the Scene 386
8.5 Scene Assessment 388
8.6 Scene Investigation: Documentation,Collection of Evidence, and Witness Interviews 394
8.7 Final Survey 412
8.8 Return to the Secure Zone 412
8.9 Summary 412
Review Questions 413
References and Additional Reading 413
Appendix A: Chart of Explosive Products 415
Appendix B: United States and Foreign Names of Explosives,Part Ⅰ and Part Ⅱ 421
Appendix C: Access Control Log 431
Appendix D: Guidelines for the Prevention of Contamination of Explosives Evidence 433
Appendix E: Personnel Resources for the Bomb Scene Investigation 435
Appendix F: Supplies and Equipment for the Bomb Scene Investigation 437
Appendix G: Administrative Worksheet 441
Appendix H: Narrative Description 445
Appendix I: Evidence Recovery Log 449
Appendix J: Latent Print Lift Log 453
Appendix K: Photographic Log 455
Appendix L: Diagram/Sketch 457
Appendix M: Explosive Residue Swab Kit Instructions 459
Appendix N: Standard Military Ordnance Color Coding System 465
Appendix O: Bomb Threat Stand-Off Distances 467
Glossary 469
Index 485