A Guide for Investigating Bomb and Explosion Scenes
Follow Agency Policies!
Actions taken following these guides should be performed in accordance with department policies and procedures and federal
and state laws.
Jurisdictional, logistical or legal conditions may preclude the use of particular procedures contained herein.
Bombs and other explosions can cause chaos and tragedy. First responders and investigators at these scenes must be meticulous — from arranging for emergency medical care for victims, to locating the site of the explosion, to identifying the explosives used in the bombing.
This guide describes best practices for responding to and investigating an explosion and bombing scene. These include:
- Arriving at the scene.
- Evaluating the scene.
- Documenting the scene.
- Processing evidence at the scene.
- Completing and recording the scene investigation.
Call in Help!
For potentially devastating situations, such as biological weapons or radiological or chemical threats, contact the appropriate
agencies.
