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Explosives recognition and awareness in Court Security
INTRODUCTION
Course Objectives
Familiarize court security personnel with explosives and their illicit uses
Familiarize court security personnel with methods of prevention and detection of explosive devices in a court security setting.
Familiarize court security personnel with methods of dealing with potential or actual explosive devices as first responders.
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The FBI Bomb Data Center reports that 70% of all terrorist incidents involve the use of incendiary agents and explosives. We know that there have been attacks carried out against government facilities in the U.S. including court buildings using explosives. This is why it is important for court security personnel to be familiar with explosives and their use.
This course is not an “EOD”, “TACTICS”or “BOMB TECH”course. Theintentofthiscourseistoprovidebasic knowledge of the relationship between explosives and court security functions. Officers should always rely on their own training, department policy and common sense when dealing with explosives.
HISTORY OF EXPLOSIVES
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Beginnings
Gunpowder first appeared in China around the 1st century AD and was used for fireworks. The first evidence of use in weapons appeared in Europe around the 13th century when projectiles were propelled through tubes.
The first high explosive, “fulminating gold” was first mentioned in writings by German alchemist Sebald Schwaertzer in 1585. Italian chemist Asconio Sobrero discovered nitroglycerin in 1846 but the compound was very unstable and difficult to work with.
Alfred Nobel, Sweden
Advances
Swedish scientist Albert Nobel invents a method of stabilizing nitroglycerin in 1866 and patents dynamite in 1867. He discovered that diatomaceous earth would absorb the nitroglycerine, but not reduce its explosive force.
Nobel also invents blasting caps and a smokeless explosive powder called ballistite.
Nobel continued to experiment and improve the stability of nitroglycerin inventing a gel explosive. Another smokeless powder called cordite is invented by Sir James Dewar and Sir Frederick Abel around the same time.
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Advances
Chemists continue to experiment with explosive compounds to improve cost, efficiency and safety resulting in many advances in the explosive industry.
OVERVIEW OF EXPLOSIVES
Explosive Characteristics
Pyrotechnics - produced to create smoke, light, heat, and sound. There are numerous work-horse Pyrotechnics; however these are not typically used in bombingattacks,butareusedinother types of bombings or arsons. Examples: fireworks, road flares, smoke grenades, and thermites.
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Explosive Characteristics
Propellants - also referred to as low explosives, are designed to provide a controlled release of gas to perform useful work. This gas can be used to push something (such as a bullet from a gun, or the space shuttle into space). While not typically used in suicide bombing attacks, they could be utilized due to their easy accessibility in the U.S. The vast majority of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in the U.S. has historically incorporated propellants. Examples: black or smokeless powders, solid, and liquid rocket fuels
Types of Explosives
Low explosives • Combustion is relatively slow -1000 meters per second
• The speed of explosion is called the speed of deflagration • Examples are black and smokeless powders Black powder is mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulphur Smokeless powder is nitrocellulose and perhaps nitro- glycerine
Explosive Characteristics
Explosives -alsoreferredtoashigh explosives, are designed to yield a near- instantaneous release of energy. When we try to harness the energy released from explosives, it is normally for destructive purposes. A bomb designed to cause maximum dispersion of shrapnel is intended to kill and cause property destruction. Examples: TNT, C4, and dynamite are common examples of explosives.
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High explosives – detonate (explode) rather than deflagrate (burn) • Combustion can range from 1000 mps to 10,000 mps Two types Initiating (or primary explosives) • Sensitive, will detonate readily when subjected to heat or shock. • Used to detonate other explosives in explosive train (a triggering sequence that ends up in a detonation of explosives) • Includes Nitroglycerine Noninitiating (Secondary or base explosives) • relatively insensitive, to heat, friction or shock, need special detonators such as low explosives. • Includes Dynamite, TNT or PETN • ANFOs or (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)
Stimuli
Stimuli occurs in six different forms: heat, friction, impact, electrostatic discharge, shock, and radio frequency. Heat-atmospheric change or fire. Friction, Impact, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Shock- the most frequent cause of accidental detonation. Radio Frequency Energy (RFE)-No radio transmission within 300 feet of a confirmed or suspected IED.
High Explosives
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary are the three levels of high explosives. These levels designate the sensitivity to stimuli.
Primary Explosives: Highly sensitive mostly used in small quantities for initiators such as cartridge primers and blasting caps.
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High Explosives
Secondary Explosives: less sensitive than primary explosives and are more commonly used in bulk and include such common types as TNT, C4, and Dynamite. They usually require initiators such as blasting caps to detonate.
High Explosives
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High Explosives
Tertiary Explosives: very stable and insensitive based on ammonium nitrate. Tertiary explosives need a secondary explosive for detonation (usually ½ pound or more). The bomb that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City was a 4000 lb ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) bomb.
Oklahoma City April 19, 1995
Terry Nichols Timothy McVeigh
High Explosives
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High Explosives Acronyms
TNT = Trinitro Toluene PETN = PentaErythritol TetraNitrate, also known as pentrite. PETN is also used as a vasodilator, similar to nitroglycerin. Used as medicine for heart diseases.
RDX = Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine
HMX or Octagon = Cyclotetramethylene- tetranitramine (related to RDX)
TNT (Non-initiating or secondary high explosive)
Trinitro Toluene
Most used by the military
Used in grenades, bombs, shells, or even alone.
PETN
PETN and TNT used together to make small-caliber projectiles
Commercially used (mining, demolition, etc.)
PETN is used in detonation cords or Primacords. These cords are used to create a series of explosions.
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PETN primacords attached to demolition explosives.
Ammonium Nitrate Based Explosives
• They are:
Water gels
Emulsions
ANFOs (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)
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Water Gels
Consistency of gel or toothpaste
Water-resistant, so good for explosions in or under bodies of water and wet conditions
Contains:
Oxidizers : a mixture of ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate, gelled together with a carbohydrate like guar gum (food thickener and emulsifier)
The fuel : is usually a combustible substance such as aluminum
Emulsion Explosives
Have 2 distinct phases An oil phase A water phase
These emulsions contain An ammonium nitrate solution surrounded by A hydrocarbon An emulsifier such as glass, resin or ceramic microspheres to make the explosive less sensitive
ANFO
Ammonium nitrate (oxidizer) or urea nitrate, soaked in a highly combustible hydrocarbon (fuel) – usually a fuel oil.
Easy to make, safe to handle
Ammonium nitrate is found in fertilizers, so ANFOs are a favorite type of homemade bombs.
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Dupont is a leading manufacturer of industrial and commercial ANFO
Homemade Explosives
Molotov Cocktails TATP (Triacetone triperoxide) – a favorite amongst Middle Eastern Terrorists.
Molotov cocktail
In its simplest form, a Molotov cocktail is a glass bottle containing petrol fuel usually with a source of ignition such as a burning, fuel soaked, rag wick held in place by the bottle's stopper.
In action the fuse is lit and the bottle hurled at a target such as a vehicle or fortification. When the bottle smashes on impact, the ensuing cloud of petrol droplets and vapor is ignited, causing an immediate fireball followed by a raging fire as the remainder of the fuel is consumed.
Other flammable liquids such as wood alcohol and turpentine have been used in place of petrol.
Thickening agents such as motor oil have been added to the fuel, analogously to the use of napalm, to help the burning liquid adhere to the target and create clouds of thick choking smoke.
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IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
What is an IED?
"A device placed or fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. It may incorporate military stores, but is normally devised from nonmilitary components” (United Nations)
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IED Limitations The only limitation to an IED is the skill level and imagination of the bomb maker.
Explosives and Incendiary Devices Domestic bombings increasing 20-25% of U.S. bombings involve incendiary devices. 78% of terrorist bombs detonated or ignited 22% failed to function as designed 4% were preceded by a warning or threat Telephone bomb threats are most common All bomb threats should be considered “real.” E-mail threats are more difficult to trace.
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Explosives and Incendiary Devices
Thousands of pounds of explosives stolen annually Blasting agents created from common materials such as ANFO
Can be contained in any size packaging from letter bomb to truckload
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Most Common IED: Pipe Bomb
Pipe filled with explosives, rigged with detonator
May be packed with nails, objects, chemical or radiological agent for optimal injury
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Pipe Bombs
Never underestimate the lethality of a pipe bomb
Large fragments of the pipe are projected out at between 2000 to 12,000 fps depending on the explosive used
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Secondary Devices
Intended to explode after the initial event Designed to kill emergency responders, law enforcement, spectators, and news reporters Common tactic abroad Becoming more common in North America
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Open Source Information
Anyone with the internet has open source on how to make bombs from scratch. The bit manual that we have all heard of “The Anarchist Cookbook” is online for anyone to take and use. The U.S. Army “Improvised Munitions Handbook” is also available online.
IED Components (PIES)
Power source-batteries most common.
Initiator-blasting caps to secondary explosives Explosives
Switches-from manufactured to home made
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Power
Initiator
Explosive
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Switch
Mixes and Materials
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Mixes and Materials
Mixes and Materials
IED Examples
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Briefcase Bomb with Mechanism
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IED Examples
IED Examples
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IED Examples
IED Examples
IED Examples
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IED Examples
IED Examples
IED Examples
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IED Examples
IED Examples
Remote Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices
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Remote Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices
Remote Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices
Tannerite
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IED Examples
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Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices-VBIED’s VEHICLE BOURNE EXPLOSIVES
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The Terrorist Weapon of Choice
The tactic of using vehicles to infiltrate an enemy position goes back to the Trojan Horse.
They are familiar and normal to the area
They are portable and adaptable They come in many shapes and sizes
They are readily available
They can be disguised as trusted government or other vehicles As you can see the list can go on and on. What can you think of to add to the list?
Hard Target vs. Soft Target
Terrorists usually do not pick random places to hit. They study to see where they have the best chance of succeeding. Many times doing reconnaissance work and penetration testing. Timothy McVeigh acknowledged doing this prior to attacking the Murrah building in Oklahoma City. He considered the Federal Building and Courthouse in Ft Worth where I worked immediately before the bombing and thought the target was too hard.
Hard Target vs. Soft Target
McVeigh learned from his reconnaissance that vehicles approaching the buildings in Ft Worth were almost immediately confronted by security personnel if they stopped for too long. This was major deterrent to targeting Ft. Worth buildings.
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Make Your Building a Hard Target
Conduct random patrols around the building.
Install bollards, berms or concrete planter boxes or posts to prevent vehicles from being crashed into the building.
Train building occupants on what to look for.
Respond quickly to any suspicious vehicle or person.
Restrict parking, stopping or standing around building.
Make Your Building a Hard Target
Install security cameras that watch the perimeter of the building that are recorded and monitored 24/7.
Increase perimeter lighting.
Deploy explosive detection devices including electronic and/or K-9.
IED FIRST RESPONSE
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IED Response
There are two ways you will be responding to an IED call:
An actual dispatch response or response to a citizen request regarding a suspected IED, or;
Discovery of a suspected IED while responding to an unrelated call.
IED Response
Best practice on a known device is to evacuate, create safe perimeter and contact your designated EOD unit.
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Initial Arrival
THE MILITARY FIVE C’s
Confirm
Clear
Cordon
Control
Check
Initial Arrival
CONFIRM - Witnesses, Viewing from a distance with optics (avoid closer inspection unless absolutely necessary, EOD should be called in). CLEAR – The area moving people away 360 degrees at recommended distances per guidelines.
Initial Arrival
CORDON – Off the area at the recommended minimum distances.
CONTROL- Access to the area using law enforcement checkpoints.
CHECK – For secondary devices set up as booby traps to the first device.
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Initial Arrival
Try to get as much information as possible before reaching the scene.
DON’T use your two way radio at the scene. Use a landline if possible.
Approach the area slowly while looking for suspicious persons, items or activity that seems out of place. Keep responders to a minimum at the location.
Initial Arrival
Always have an escape route in mind and keep it clear if possible.
If possible use optics (binoculars, video, patrol video) if available to scan the area before entering.
If you must approach a suspicious item, use cover when approaching (best practice is not to approach).
Initial Arrival
. If you stumble upon a device:
. Inform everyone verbally and leave the area.
. DO NOT use radio, cell, MDT or any transmitting device until you are at least 300’ away.
. Do not touch or move anything (suspicious items, light switches, anything at all) just leave taking everyone with you.
. Be aware of secondary devices.
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IED Indicators
Just because an item looks safe does not mean that it is safe. Can the item incorporate the PIES.
Unusual containers or devices with electronic components such as wires, circuit boards, cell phones, antennas or other items attached or exposed. Devices containing fuses, fireworks, match heads, black powder, smokeless powder, incendiary materials, or other item that could be HME (Homemade Explosive Material).
IED Indicators
Materials attached to an item or wrapped around an items such as nails, washers, screws,bolts,drillbits,marbles,ball bearings, or anything that could be used as shrapnel.
Exposed ordnance such as blasting caps, detcord, military explosives, commercial explosives.
VBIED Indicators
Any vehicle that arouses suspicion or curiosity (trust your instincts)
Vehicles parked strategically or for a prolonged amount of time.
Stolen, non-matching, paper dealer or no plates at all.
Wires, bundles, circuit boards, electronic components, unusual containers, devices or materials visible in the vehicle.
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VBIED Indicators
Anything you recognize as dangerous or explosive in the vehicle.
Unknown liquids or materials leaking under the vehicle.
Unusual attachments or body work.
Heavy load in vehicle evident by sagging in rear (harder to detect on trucks and large vehicles).
VBIED Indicators
Modification of load springs on vehicles (air shocks, extra leafs etc).
Chemical stains, paint peeling from chemicals etc.
Odor of petroleum based fuel.
Discovery and/or Responding to Explosive Incidents
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Incident Assessment
Gather information en-route to the call What is it? Suspicious Package / Vehicle / Device Pre or Post blast incident On scene procedure DO NOT TOUCH Gather information Secure the scene Evacuation
Special Considerations
Do Not use radios or cellular phones within the evacuation area. Cellular phones emit finder signals to maintain contact with their system. Even though you are not calling or talking on your cellular phone it is emitting RF energy. Cellular phones and radios may activate remote control devices.
Incident Classification
Bomb Threats Unattended Packages
Suspicious Package or Item
Confirmed Explosive Device
Post Blast
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Bomb Threats
Definition - any threat received by any employee or person that an Explosive Device has been or may be left in or around your property. Bomb Threat Check List
Evaluation
Search
Call for advice from bomb squad if needed
Unattended Packages
Definition - any package which is left in the common areas of the building or grounds which is not suspicious other than the fact that the package has been left behind.
Attempt to Locate owner
Evaluate Reclassify if necessary
Call for advice from bomb squad if needed
Suspicious Package
Definition - any package for which the owner can not be located and it or the circumstances around it are suspicious in nature (IE: visible wires, oil stains, pipes, timers, left in a suspicious way, etc.). Do not touch
Isolate and evacuate the area
Treat the same as a confirmed explosive device
Call for assistance from the Bomb Squad
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Confirmed Explosive Device
Definition - Anything which is or appears to be an explosive device; pipe bombs, improvised explosives, etc.
Do Not touch!!
Isolate and evacuate the area Call for assistance from the Bomb Squad
Mail/Letter/Package IED Indicators
Oily Stains, Discolorations or Leaking Powders
Strange Odors or Sounds
No Return Address/Fictitious Return Address
Excessive Weight or Rigid Envelope
Uneven or Lopsided Envelope or Package.
Protruding Wires, Tinfoil, Electronics, etc.
Excessive Securing Materials, Tape, String, etc.
Previous Threat
Size Does Not Matter
Never underestimate the power of an explosive device by it’s size. Even small explosive devices can cause death or serious injury. Effects of a Dry Ice Bomb This injury was caused by a dry ice bomb.
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Evacuation Considerations
Shelter in place -v- Evacuation Are we putting people at greater risk by making them evacuate? Evacuation must be above and below as well as around the device. Evaluate the area quickly prior to an evacuation Is the device inside? Is the device outside and the people inside? What is the size of the device? Remember: Time Distance Shielding
Evacuation Considerations
Have a designated evacuation area
Have an alternate evacuation area and rotate them each time you evacuate.
Prior to use check the assigned area for suspect items
If any suspect item or vehicle is present, use alternate area.
Use terrain features or solid objects as shielding.
If evacuating inside a structure go to farthest lateral point at least several floors below the device.
Evacuation Considerations
Do not use areas with other dangers such a flammable/hazmat, windows.
Do a head count for those in your area then attempt to determine where the missing may be.
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Secondary Devices
A search for secondary or multiple devices is essential in the safety of the responders
Search the evacuation area
Search the staging area
Search the Command post areas
Search prior to staging or setting up equipment
Who are the targets of Secondary Devices?
The first responders Bomb Technicians
Medical and Fire personnel
Police Officers
Bystanders
Media
Secondary Device Motives
With some groups the intended target is not the business or location.
Their grievance is with the government and/or those responding to the scene to help.
If a terrorist group is able to take out a group of responders it does more to cripple those agencies responding.
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Atlanta Secondary Device
Initial Explosion site
Command Post
Location of secondary device
Evacuation Distances
Threat Explosive Building Outdoor Capacity Evacuation Evacuation Pipe Bomb 1 to 5 lbs 70 feet 850 feet
Brief Case 10 to 50 lbs 150 Feet 1,200 feet
Small vehicle 500 lbs 320 feet 1,500 feet
Full Size 1,000 lbs 400 feet 1,750 feet Vehicle Passenger 4,000 lbs 650 feet 2,750 feet Van Small Moving 10,000 lbs 860 feet 3,750 feet Van Semi-Trailer 60,000 lbs 1,600 feet 7,000 feet
Evacuation Distances
These are the minimum recommended distances for outside evacuation based on thetypeofsuspectedbomb: Pipe Bomb – 850ft Suicide Belt – 1080ft Suicide Vest – 1360ft Briefcase/Suitcase Bomb – 1850ft Compact Sedan – 1500ft
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Evacuation Distances
Sedan – 1750ft Passenger/Cargo Van – 2750ft Small Moving Van/Delivery Truck – 3750ft Moving Van/Water Truck – 6500ft Semitrailer – 7000ft
Traffic control
In isolating an incident and setting up the proper perimeter at a scene will require additional resources.
Pedestrians / Side walks / Hallways / Elevators / Rooms
Vehicles / Roads / Parking lots / etc.
Post Blast
Always check for secondary devices
Do not assume that the scene is safe just because one device has gone off.
Scene must be cleared by EOD prior to evidence collection
Explosive evidence collection will require specialists with explosive knowledge and equipment
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Types of Evidence Post Blast
Victims may carry evidence of the device from the scene to the hospitals
Many pieces of the devices hardware will survive the blast.
Explosive residue will be present.
Packaging of the device will present.
Explosive evidence is like piecing a puzzle together.
CONCLUSION AND TESTING
Evaluation
Please be as frank as possible on your evaluations as the information in them will be used to improve the quality of the classes for future students.
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Conclusion
We hope this course was informative and will help you in your job securing your courts. Please remember that this is not an EOD class. You should always follow your department policy when dealing with explosive devices.
Contact Information
Randy Harris, Court Security Concepts [email protected]
325 315-4209
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