3.520 Bomb Threats - Located Explosive Devices - Detonations

Question 1

The Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC) Bureau’s All Hazard Regional Multi-Agency Operations and Response (ARMOR) Section, in conjunction with the Counter Terrorism Section, is responsible for investigations of all located explosives, bomb threats, extortions with the use of bombs, and other found or suspected devices pertaining to terrorism, including weapons of mass destruction, biological agents, chemical agents, radioactive agents and other lethal agents, toxins, and delivery systems that threaten the security of our community. ________, in coordination with LVMPD’s federal partners, maintains intelligence information on such activities. The ARMOR Section will act as a liaison to investigative units, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Presidential Decision Directive 39 (PDD 39) assigns the FBI as the primary agency for all terrorist incidents.

Answer 1

ARMOR

Question 2

The expression of an intention to detonate an explosive device

Answer 2

Bomb threat

Question 3

A demand for material value or services in which an explosive device is indicated as means of perpetrating the extortion. This is a situation where the clear intent is robbery and not associated with a defined terrorist activity.

Answer 3

Bomb extortion

Question 4

Any explosive, incendiary, overpressure device, all improvised explosive devices, military ordinance, and commercial explosive

Answer 4

Destructive device

Question 5

Trained to find the presence of explosive substances to include firearms and ammunition. The _____ can be used to search offices, casinos, vehicle, parking lots, aircraft, luggage, packages, schools, and locker rooms to detect substances.

Answer 5

Explosive detector dog (EDD)

Question 6

Pipe bomb mandatory evacuation distance

Answer 6

70 ft

Question 7

Suicide bomber mandatory evacuation distance

Answer 7

110 ft

Question 8

Bomb threat - Briefcase/suitcase mandatory evacuation distance

Answer 8

150 ft

Question 9

Bomb threat - Car mandatory evacuation distance

Answer 9

320 ft

Question 10

Bomb threat - SUV/van mandatory evacuation distance

Answer 10

400 ft

Question 11

Bomb threat - small delivery truck mandatory evacuation distance

Answer 11

640 ft

Question 12

Bomb threat - container/water truck mandatory evacuation distance

Answer 12

860 ft

Question 13

Bomb threat - semi-trailer mandatory evacuation distance

Answer 13

1570 ft

Question 14

Any item (package, luggage, vehicle, etc.) identified as potentially containing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive material that requires specialized equipment and training to further evaluate. Suspicious indicators are based upon the prevailing and/or communicated threat, placement and proximity of the item(s) to people and valuable assets, and more tangible aspects including but not limited to; unexplainable wires or electronics, other visible IED components; unusual sounds, vapors, mists, powders, liquids, odors, etc.

Summary: Any package/bag/item that, due to a proper threat assessment, is a possible danger to the people or property in the area.

Answer 14

Suspicious item

Question 15

Any item (package, luggage, vehicle) that does not outwardly present itself as suspicious or threatening in nature; cannot be associated with a communicated threat; is not positioned to avoid observation and/or detection where people congregate; and critical assets are present. The owner may not be readily determined or located; however, there is usually a plausible explanation as to why the item was left unattended (e.g., a toy where children may have recently played, a briefcase or small backpack in a toilet facility or, a piece of luggage at a transportation venue in a non-high traffic pedestrian area).

Answer 15

Unattended item

Question 16

Any weapon, device, or destructive device that is intended to create a great risk of death, or serious bodily injury through the release, dissemination, or impact of toxic or poisonous chemicals, or their precursors; a biological agent, toxin, or vector; or radiation.

Answer 16

Weapon of mass destruction

Question 17

Done to protect first responders from any possible devices that may be placed to injure, maim, and kill them upon arrival. These searches should be conducted from low-to-high in a 360-degree manner around the “safe area.”

When responding to a bomb threat, unattended item, or suspicious item, officers should conduct 25- and 100-ft. searches.
1. Upon arrival officers should do a visual search of 25-ft. around their initial arrival location;
2. After the initial 25-ft. search, a 100-ft. search should be conducted;
3. If a new location is established for a Command Post, the 25- and 100-ft. search shall be conducted again. The use of an EDD should be utilized if available.

Answer 17

25 foot and 100 foot searches

Question 18

All actions and decisions made by LVMPD employees should take into consideration that the intention of the department is to conduct the investigation in a ___________ manner. Investigative techniques which are appropriate for the situation will be used, including minimizing public awareness and chance of alerting suspects to police involvement. If LVMPD receives initial information of a bomb threat/extortion, the target individual or establishment will be notified by detectives as soon as possible.

Answer 18

Low-profile

Question 19

Department members will attempt to work closely with management or their designees in the coordination and execution of their standard emergency operating procedures to ensure public safety. All decisions regarding compliance with extortion demands will be made by the ________________________.

Answer 19

Representative of the establishment

Question 20

On a bomb threat, the patrol officer will:

Answer 20

1. perform an initial threat assessment
2. Respond to the scene and confer with the senior representative or key employee of the establishment. The representative must make the following decisions: whether to conduct a search (using establishment personnel); whether to evacuate during a search; if further action should be taken if no device or suspected device is found; and if the area is safe or free of explosives. LVMPD personnel will not make these decisions or judgments. On any specific threat where the representative of an establishment is willing to evacuate the premises and conduct a search, the explosive detection dog (EDD) can be deployed to provide a more comprehensive search (see LVMPD 3.525, Explosive Detector Dog).
3. Update the event through the Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) or phone line. Personnel are cautioned against radio transmissions in the vicinity of a device as it could cause detonation. Land lines should be used when possible.
4. Take an incident report and, if appropriate, complete a brief Officer’s Report.

Question 21

Bomb threats, threats against vehicle - Officers will:

Answer 21

1. Conduct a threat assessment prior to making any approach to the vehicle.
2. Attempt to determine the existence of a device through a prompt preliminary investigation prior to requesting ARMOR.
3. Conduct a visual inspection of the inside and underside of the vehicle without opening doors, trunk, or hood. A booby-trapped vehicle could mean serious injury or death to the officer and bystanders.
4. Request ARMOR supervisor through Communications supervisor if anything suspicious is located.

Question 22

Bomb threats - non-specific threats

A victim is difficult to identify in a bomb threat against a location, e.g., “A bomb will blow up at the southwest corner of Spring Mountain and Las Vegas Boulevard in fifteen minutes.” In those cases, the responding officer will take an _____________________ explaining the incident and action taken if the report may be of future value to investigators.

Answer 22

Incident/crime report

Question 23

On non-specific bomb threats, the patrol officer will:

Answer 23

1. Contact the person reporting, if available.
2. Document the situation detailing the circumstances, threats, and other significant information.
3. Forward all documents to ARMOR:
   a. ARMOR will forward all documents to the Counter Terrorism Section if Counter Terrorism nexus exists.

Question 24

In the event a bomb threat is called into LVMPD HQ, radio silence will be maintained. HQ operations will not be disrupted, and personnel ____________ be evacuated without justification as determined by officers on scene.

Answer 24

Will not

Question 25

Bomb threat to LVMPD HQ - WC will

Answer 25

1. Ensure the threat is handled in accordance with policy
2. Send an email detailing the incident to the community policing DC, Homeland Security DC, the division director of the support division, ARMOR section supervisor, SNCTC bureau commander, Communications bureau commander, and Office of the Sheriff executive LT.
3. Ensure entry is not made into WC log.

Question 26

For a bomb threat at HQ, who does the WC email?

Answer 26

1. Community policing DC
2. Homeland security DC
3. Division director of the support division
4. ARMOR section supervisor
5. SNCTC bureau commander
6. Communications bureau commander
7. Office of the Sheriff executive LT

Question 27

For a bomb threat at LVMPD HQ, is an entry made into the WC log?

Answer 27

No.

Question 28

Any device that disperses any chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear material to cause injury, fear, death or denial of any area. This can also incorporate explosives as a means of dispersal.

Answer 28

Dispersal device

Question 29

Any chemical compound, mixture, or device, with a primary or common purpose to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite and other high explosives, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cords, igniter cords, and igniters.

Answer 29

Explosive materials

Question 30

Finished explosive material that is ready to be utilized in an improvised explosive device (IED). Homemade explosives can be made utilizing household chemicals through a chemical process or combined to produce an explosive material that is
intended for use.

Answer 30

Homemade explosives

Question 31

A homemade explosive device designed to maim, harass, or kill. An IED will contain a power source, initiator, explosive material and switch or chemical mixture to create a hypergolic reaction. These devices can include, but are not limited to, modified military ordnance, homemade blasting caps, and homemade explosives (e.g., pipe bombs, booby-traps, and overpressure devices).

Answer 31

Improvised explosive device

Question 32

Any material, substance, device, or combination thereof which is capable of supplying the initial ignition and/or fuel for a fire and is designed to be used as an instrument of willful destruction.

Answer 32

Incendiary device

Question 33

Located explosive devices - Threat assessment

Answer 33

1. When did the item show up?
2. How long has it been there? (Surveillance video? Witnesses?)
3. Did anyone see the person that left the item?
4. Where is it placed? (In front of any strip hotel or in an abandoned dirt lot? Entry way or exits? Crowded waiting area?)
5. How is it placed? (Does it look like it was deliberately hidden in a populated area?)
6. Have there been any recent threats?
7. What does the item look like? (Wires, switches, modifications, sounds, exceedingly heavy looking, any other suspicious indicators?)
8. If you feel the item is clear based on the totality of the circumstances? Did an explosive detection dog (EDD) alert on the item?
9. ** People and property are the most valued targets by terrorists **
10. Is the item suspicious, abandoned, or temporarily unattended?

Question 34

Located explosive device 5 line report

Answer 34

1. Specific location of the suspect item- This will help determine the command post (CP), route to staging, and assist in establishing a good perimeter.
2. Unit number/cell number of officer or patrol supervisor on scene- the ARMOR commander will need to contact the officer on scene to gather intelligence prior to dispatching resources.
3. Detailed description of item, photo (if available), and placement method- size, shape, container, was it thrown, placed, projected, etc.
4. Description of what resources, person(s) or critical infrastructure is threatened- Utility facility (water, power, gas, etc.), crowds, etc.
5. Protective measures taken- Perimeter, CP location, staging area, all actions taken.

Question 35

An explosive device placed in a car or other vehicle and then exploded.

Answer 35

Vehicle borne improvised explosive device e (VBIED)

Question 36

Bomb threats, located explosive devices - Personnel are cautioned against _____________ in the vicinity of the device as it could cause detonation. Land lines should be used when possible.

Answer 36

Radio transmissions

Question 37

Department personnel will not in any way _____, _______, or ________ an explosive device, either suspected or known. Suspected explosive devices and threats against a vehicle represent potentially dangerous assignments and will be assessed in accordance with ARMOR protocols. ARMOR will also assess any explosive device or supplies, such as blasting caps, even when not constructed as a bomb, to determine the appropriate agency that will need to respond.

Answer 37

Handle, touch, or move

Question 38

Persons, other than members of ARMOR, locating an explosive or suspected explosive device will be advised to remain available for direct communication with an ___________. This will help to ensure the proper equipment is dispatched to the scene. Persons finding explosive substances in remote areas should be asked to remain available at a safe nearby location to aid ARMOR in locating the explosives.

Answer 38

ARMOR supervisor

Question 39

When the incident commander or on-scene supervisor determines a suspicious object is a suspected explosive device, ARMOR will be called to coordinate the appropriate resources (Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Bomb Squad, Nellis AFB Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team, etc.) and said resources will “render safe” the item and make the situation harmless. Once this has occurred, an EDD _________ be used to sniff a suspected explosive device. When this process is complete, the EDD should be called to search the area for a second device. If a second device is located, ARMOR will coordinate the “render safe” operation of the second device with the appropriate resource. The EDD will then continue to search until no further devices are located.

Answer 39

Will not

Question 40

Bomb threats, located explosive devices - Patrol officer will:

Answer 40

1. Respond to the scene and conduct preliminary investigation.
2. Perform an initial 25-foot search around the arrival area, then another 100-foot search around the arrival area, to include the CP and staging area.
3. Establish a perimeter utilizing the FBI Bomb Threat Stand-Off Card (distances should be based on the recommendations of the Threat Description section on the card).
4. Search the area around the CP for secondary devices.
5. Gather and control witnesses as well as start voluntary statements.

Question 41

Bomb threats, located explosive devices - Field supervisor will:

Answer 41

1. Respond to and assume command of the scene. The field supervisor or senior officer in charge will
   remain at the scene to brief the ARMOR supervisor of all relevant matters. Establish Incident Command System (ICS) in accordance with LVMPD 3.500, Major Incident and All Hazard Plan and
   completes ICS-AAR as required.
2. Contact the ARMOR supervisor through Communications supervisor.
3. When the ranking field supervisor requests ARMOR, a responsible person from the establishment will be advised, by the field supervisor, of the potential for explosion, and an evacuation of the
   premises will be initiated. At least two (2) floors above and below the device should be evacuated in a high-rise building:
   a. Failure to respond to an evacuation order is a violation of NRS 475.070.
   b. If a person is not readily available or able to easily be evacuated and is not in harm’s way based on the information of the threat and is outside the mandatory evacuation zone listed on the FBI
   Bomb Threat Stand-Off Card, the person may shelter in place. However, if they are in the
   mandatory evacuation zone, they must be evacuated to safety.
4. Assign an additional officer to the primary location (see Command and Control) to assist in
   communications.
5. Remain at scene with the additional officer to assist ARMOR and prevent unauthorized access to the location of the device.

Question 42

If a suspected explosive device is located in a high-rise building, how many floors should be evacuated?

Answer 42

At least 2 floors above and 2 floors below.

Question 43

When a suspected explosive device is located, how many command locations will be established?

Answer 43

Two

The tactical operations center and the field command post

Question 44

Department personnel will not release the following information on explosive devices to anyone outside law enforcement:

Answer 44

1. Type of explosive
2. Components
3. Packaging
4. Method used to detonate
5. Opinions as to why the device did or did not detonate
6. Investigative techniques used to mitigate the threat.

Question 45

LVMPD personnel should utilize extreme caution at the scene of a detonation. The possibility of a ______________ or _________ should not be discounted.

Answer 45

Second device or unexploded charge

Question 46

In any case where an explosion has occurred, there is always the chance for the presence of unexploded bombs or a second device left by the suspect. The _______ should be used to clear the crime scene prior to personnel entering and conducting investigations

Answer 46

EDD

Question 47

Bomb threat - report of detonation

Officers on the perimeter of the crime scene will conduct ______ and ________ searches around the exterior. Investigative personnel will assist in the search for any secondary devices with the EDD, ensuring that the interior of the scene is safe from any explosive hazards.

Answer 47

25 foot and 100 ft

Question 48

ARMOR has the responsibility and authority to conduct the post-blast crime scene investigation, whether it occurs within the city limits or in the county. Access to the detonation scene must be strictly limited to emergency actions required to prevent the _________; otherwise, the scene must be left undisturbed until ARMOR arrives and takes command of the scene.

Answer 48

Loss of life

Question 49

Bomb threat - detonation

Patrol officer will:

Answer 49

1. Respond to the scene and provide any emergency assistance as required.
2. Conduct preliminary investigation.
3. Establish, at a minimum, 300-foot perimeter from any item that they can visually identify as evidence.
4. Conduct 25-foot and 100-foot searches around the perimeter for secondary devices.
5. Search CP for secondary devices.
6. Gather and control witnesses and complete voluntary statements.
7. Complete Incident Report.

Question 50

At the scene of a detonated explosive device, how far away from visible evidence should the perimeter be established?

Answer 50

300 foot minimum

Question 51

If someone dies from a detonated explosive device, who assumes command of the death investigation?

Answer 51

Homicide. ARMOR maintains control of the post-blast investigation