Post on 20-Jul-2021
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Explosives recognition and awareness in Court
Security
INTRODUCTION
Course Objectives
Familiarize court security personnel withexplosives and their illicit uses
Familiarize court security personnel withmethods of prevention and detection ofexplosive devices in a court security setting.
Familiarize court security personnel withmethods of dealing with potential or actualexplosive devices as first responders.
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The FBI Bomb Data Center reports that 70%of all terrorist incidents involve the use ofincendiary agents and explosives. Weknow that there have been attacks carriedout against government facilities in theU.S. including court buildings usingexplosives. This is why it is important forcourt security personnel to be familiar withexplosives and their use.
This course is not an “EOD”, “TACTICS” or“BOMB TECH” course.
The intent of this course is to provide basicknowledge of the relationship betweenexplosives and court security functions.
Officers should always rely on their owntraining, department policy and commonsense 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 propelledthrough tubes.
The first high explosive, “fulminating gold” was firstmentioned in writings by German alchemist SebaldSchwaertzer in 1585.
Italian chemist Asconio Sobrero discovered nitroglycerinin 1846 but the compound was very unstable anddifficult to work with.
Alfred Nobel, Sweden
Advances
Swedish scientist Albert Nobel invents a method ofstabilizing nitroglycerin in 1866 and patents dynamite in1867. He discovered that diatomaceous earth would absorbthe nitroglycerine, but not reduce its explosive force.
Nobel also invents blasting caps and a smokelessexplosive powder called ballistite.
Nobel continued to experiment and improve the stabilityof nitroglycerin inventing a gel explosive.
Another smokeless powder called cordite is invented bySir James Dewar and Sir Frederick Abel around the sametime.
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Advances
Chemists continue to experiment withexplosive compounds to improve cost,efficiency and safety resulting in manyadvances in the explosive industry.
OVERVIEW OF EXPLOSIVES
Explosive Characteristics
Pyrotechnics - produced to create smoke,light, heat, and sound. There arenumerous work-horse Pyrotechnics;however these are not typically used inbombing attacks, but are used in othertypes 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, aredesigned to provide a controlled release of gas toperform useful work. This gas can be used to pushsomething (such as a bullet from a gun, or the spaceshuttle into space). While not typically used in suicidebombing attacks, they could be utilized due to their easyaccessibility in the U.S. The vast majority of ImprovisedExplosive Devices (IED) in the U.S. has historicallyincorporated propellants. Examples: black or smokelesspowders, 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 - also referred to as highexplosives, are designed to yield a near-instantaneous release of energy. When wetry to harness the energy released fromexplosives, it is normally for destructivepurposes. A bomb designed to causemaximum dispersion of shrapnel is intendedto kill and cause property destruction.Examples: TNT, C4, and dynamite arecommon 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 radiofrequency.
Heat-atmospheric change or fire. Friction, Impact, Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD), Shock- the most frequent cause ofaccidental detonation.
Radio Frequency Energy (RFE)-No radiotransmission within 300 feet of a confirmed orsuspected 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 sensitivethan primary explosives and are morecommonly used in bulk and include suchcommon types as TNT, C4, and Dynamite.They usually require initiators such asblasting caps to detonate.
High Explosives
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High Explosives
Tertiary Explosives: very stable andinsensitive based on ammonium nitrate.Tertiary explosives need a secondaryexplosive for detonation (usually ½ poundor more). The bomb that destroyed theAlfred P. Murrah Federal building inOklahoma City was a 4000 lb ammoniumnitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) bomb.
Oklahoma City April 19, 1995
Timothy McVeighTerry Nichols
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 improvisedmanner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious,pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and designedto destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. Itmay incorporate military stores, but is normallydevised from nonmilitary components” (UnitedNations)
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IED Limitations
The only limitation toan IED is the skill leveland imagination of thebomb maker.
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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
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 sourceon how to make bombs from scratch. Thebit manual that we have all heard of “TheAnarchist Cookbook” is online for anyoneto take and use. The U.S. Army“Improvised Munitions Handbook” is alsoavailable 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
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 ImprovisedExplosive Devices
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Remote Controlled ImprovisedExplosive Devices
Remote Controlled ImprovisedExplosive Devices
Tannerite
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IED Examples
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VEHICLE BOURNE EXPLOSIVES
Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices-VBIED’s
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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 bestchance of succeeding. Many times doingreconnaissance work and penetration testing.
Timothy McVeigh acknowledged doing this prior toattacking the Murrah building in Oklahoma City.He considered the Federal Building andCourthouse in Ft Worth where I workedimmediately before the bombing and thought thetarget was too hard.
Hard Target vs. Soft Target
McVeigh learned from his reconnaissancethat vehicles approaching the buildings inFt Worth were almost immediatelyconfronted by security personnel if theystopped for too long. This was majordeterrent 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 crashedinto 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 theperimeter of the building that are recordedand 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 respondingto 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 toevacuate, create safe perimeter andcontact 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 adistance with optics (avoid closerinspection unless absolutely necessary,EOD should be called in).
CLEAR – The area moving people away 360degrees at recommended distances perguidelines.
Initial Arrival
CORDON – Off the area at therecommended minimum distances.
CONTROL- Access to the area using lawenforcement checkpoints.
CHECK – For secondary devices set up asbooby traps to the first device.
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Initial Arrival
Try to get as much information as possiblebefore reaching the scene.
DON’T use your two way radio at thescene. Use a landline if possible.
Approach the area slowly while looking forsuspicious persons, items or activity thatseems out of place.
Keep responders to a minimum at thelocation.
Initial Arrival
Always have an escape route in mind andkeep it clear if possible.
If possible use optics (binoculars, video,patrol video) if available to scan the areabefore entering.
If you must approach a suspicious item,use cover when approaching (bestpractice 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 (suspiciousitems, light switches, anything at all) justleave 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 issafe.
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, blackpowder, smokeless powder, incendiary materials, orother item that could be HME (Homemade ExplosiveMaterial).
IED Indicators
Materials attached to an item or wrappedaround an items such as nails, washers,screws, bolts, drill bits, marbles, ballbearings, or anything that could be usedas shrapnel.
Exposed ordnance such as blasting caps,detcord, military explosives, commercialexplosives.
VBIED Indicators
Any vehicle that arouses suspicion orcuriosity (trust your instincts)
Vehicles parked strategically or for aprolonged amount of time.
Stolen, non-matching, paper dealer or noplates at all.
Wires, bundles, circuit boards, electroniccomponents, unusual containers, devicesor 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.
This injury was caused by a dry ice bomb.
Effects of 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
CapacityBuilding
EvacuationOutdoor
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 Vehicle
1,000 lbs 400 feet 1,750 feet
Passenger Van
4,000 lbs 650 feet 2,750 feet
Small Moving Van
10,000 lbs 860 feet 3,750 feet
Semi-Trailer 60,000 lbs 1,600 feet 7,000 feet
Evacuation Distances
These are the minimum recommendeddistances for outside evacuation based onthe type of suspected bomb:
Pipe Bomb – 850ftSuicide Belt – 1080ftSuicide Vest – 1360ftBriefcase/Suitcase Bomb – 1850ftCompact Sedan – 1500ft
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Evacuation Distances
Sedan – 1750ftPassenger/Cargo Van – 2750ftSmall Moving Van/Delivery Truck – 3750ftMoving Van/Water Truck – 6500ftSemitrailer – 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 yourevaluations as the information in them willbe used to improve the quality of theclasses for future students.
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Conclusion
We hope this course was informative andwill help you in your job securing yourcourts.
Please remember that this is not an EODclass. You should always follow yourdepartment policy when dealing withexplosive devices.
Contact Information
Randy Harris, Court Security ConceptsJrandy.harris1@yahoo.com
325 315-4209