Practical Bomb Scene Investigation (3^rd Ed.) Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations Series

Now in its Third Edition, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation explores the investigative process that improvised explosive device (IED) specialists undertake at the scene of an explosion. Providing easy-to-understand, step-by-step procedures for managing and processing a bomb scene, it enables investigators to find the evidence and then make sense of what is found. The book is not only a roadmap on how to find and collect evidence and assess the scene, but also provides instruction on identifying the bombmaker's signature through latent print, DNA, explosive residue, metallurgical, and toolmark examination and forensic analysis.

Dedication

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Forward

Introduction

Chapter One: Explosion Theory and Dynamics

Chapter Two: Identification and Recognition of Commercial, Improvised, and Military Explosives

Chapter Three: Improvised Explosive Device Components: Pre- and Post-Blast Identification

Chapter Four: Investigation of the Explosion Scene and Collection of Evidence

Chapter Five: Bomb Scene Investigator and Weapons of Mass Destruction

Chapter Six: Introduction to the Identification of Military Ordnance

Chapter Seven: Capabilities of the Forensic Laboratory: Reading the Bomber’s Signature

Chapter Eight: Tactical Post-Blast Investigation

Appendix A: Chart of Explosive Products

Appendix B: United States and Foreign Names of Explosives, Part I and Part II

Appendix C: Access Control Log

Appendix D: Guidelines for the Prevention of Contamination of Explosives Evidence

Appendix E: Personnel Resources for the Bomb Scene Investigation

Appendix F: Supplies and Equipment for the Bomb Scene Investigation

Appendix G: Administrative Worksheet

Appendix H: Narrative Description

Appendix I: Evidence Recovery Log

Appendix J: Latent Print Lift Log

Appendix K: Photographic Log

Appendix L: Diagram Log

Appendix M: Explosive Residue Swabbing Instructions

Appendix N: Standard Military Ordnance Color Coding System

Appendix O: Bomb Threat Stand-Off Distances

Appendix P: Table of Bioterrorism Agent Properties

Appendix Q: Table of Chemical Agent Properties

Glossary

Index

James T. Thurman has worked in the explosives field for more than 30 years, first as a U.S. Army bomb disposal technician and then as a special agent with the FBI. He continues to lecture and provide training on the methods of bomb scene investigation and explosives avoidance to domestic and international training schools and audiences. He is currently a professor at the Eastern Kentucky University, teaching a unique academic program on fire, arson, and explosion investigation. He holds a BA from Eastern Kentucky University and an MS Degree in Forensic Science from the George Washington University.