Lakewood Police Department Policy and Procedure Policies and Procedures Template		Effective Date: 03/09/2023
	Policy Number: PP-4526 INCIDENTS INVOLVING EXPLOSIVES

A.         Policy

Incidents found to involve actual or suspected explosive devices or when actual explosions have occurred confront responders with many considerations. The rapid response of resources is necessary to prevent further injury to victims, minimize contamination of the evidence on scene, and to prevent additional damage. Communication and cooperation is essential between Lakewood responders and personnel from other agencies.  

B.         Procedure

1.        No known or suspected explosive item should be considered safe regardless of its size or apparent packaging. It should not be touched except by bomb disposal personnel.

2.         A perimeter should be secured around any suspected device. An additional perimeter should be secured for a minimum of 300 feet up to 2,000 feet depending on size or composition of device if known. Safe distance depends on the surrounding environment and/or expert opinion. The perimeter should allow entrance for support personnel. Crowd control and/or traffic perimeters should be established. 

3.         A search of the area should be conducted for secondary devices or other hazards.

4.         When an explosion has occurred, whether the result of an accident or criminal act, primary responders should consider:

a.         First Aid to injured victims.

b.         Existence of secondary device.

c.         Evacuation of victims.

d.         Toxicity of blast debris or air quality.

e.         Notification of needed resources.

5.         Notifications of Explosion, depending on scope.

a.         Supervisor, Watch Commander, Chief of Police

b.         Additional Agents request

c.         Fire Department

d.         Bomb Squad

e.         Hazardous Materials Team

f.          Jeffcom and PIO for needed public information and instructions

g.         Investigations

h.         Crime Lab

i.          Federal Agencies such as FBI, ATF

j.          CBI - CIAC

k.         Personnel assistance from other local law enforcement agencies

l.          City Emergency Manager for response of needed city personnel

m.        Hospitals

6.        Establish Incident Command System, National Incident Management System, Multi-Agency Command Center as appropriate.

7.        Bomb Incident Investigation - The investigation of all bomb incidents, whether an actual or hoax device is involved, shall be the responsibility of a detective assigned to the case. 

a.        Whenever the investigation of a bomb incident is not assumed by a federal or state agency the investigation shall be coordinated by the Special Investigation Unit. 

b.        The assigned investigator may, if needed, request the assistance of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau National Response Team

c.        Whenever an investigation reveals suspected involvement by terroristic groups or individuals, the investigation shall be reported to the Denver office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

8.        All bomb incidents involving the location of actual or hoax explosive devices shall be reported to the U.S. Bomb Data Center. 

9.        An investigator shall respond to the scene of an undetonated or detonated explosive device at the request of the patrol division commander or his designee. 

a.        Such notification shall be made through an Investigation Division supervisor. 

b.        The assistance of an explosive ordinance specialist may be requested by the patrol commander, his designee, or the assigned investigator. 

10.      It shall be the responsibility of the assigned investigator, in coordination with a field supervisor, to ensure the security of the crime scene. 

a.        The investigator, in all cases of detonated devices, will notify the crime lab who will respond to assist in the processing of the crime scene.

b.        The assigned investigator shall notify the field supervisor or patrol commander when examination of the scene is completed.