Practical Bomb Scene Investigation: (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations)

The illicit use of explosives has become a growing international concern. Those investigating the scenes of these bombings must do so expeditiously and effectively in order to locate any and all evidence among the rubble that can identify the culprits and bring them to justice. Written by an explosives expert with over thirty years in the field, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation is an accessible step-by-step guide through the postblast investigative process. It is the first single-source reference that not only provides essential information on locating and safeguarding evidence at the scene, but it also takes the investigator through all phases of the inquiry. This book uses case studies to promote an organized, methodical approach to investigations. It addresses safety issues such as military ordnance identification procedures and indicators of biological, chemical, and radiological material use. It also provides full color photographs of bomb scenes and related evidence. Practical Bomb Scene Investigation is an essential book for not only the explosion/bomb scene investigator and technician, but also for homeland security professionals, first responders, terrorism/intelligence analysts, military personnel, trainers, educators, criminalist and forensic scientists

Table of Contents:
Explosion Theory and Dynamics The Scientific Method Explosives Types of Explosives Classification and Sensitivity of Explosives Explosive Performance Firing Trains Additional Characteristics of Explosives Accountability of Explosives and Explosives Detection Explosions Identification and Recognition of Commercial and Military Explosives Introduction A Short History of Explosives Low Explosives Commercial High Explosives Water-Based Products Boosters Binary Explosives Sheet Explosives Foreign Explosives U.S. Military Explosives Improvised Explosives Initiation Systems and Components Improvised Explosive Device Components: Pre- and Post-Blast Identification Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) Fuzing Systems The Investigative Process Chapter Summary Chapter Review Questions References The Investigation of the Explosion Scene and Collection of Evidence Investigative Outline Evaluation of the Explosion Scene Entering the Scene Documentation of the Scene Where to Find Evidence at the Bomb Scene How to Find Evidence at the Bomb Scene How to Collect Evidence at the Bomb Scene Final Survey Release of the Scene Submission of Evidence to the Laboratory The Field Investigation The Bomb Scene Investigator and Weapons of Mass Destruction Types of WMD Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Materials WMD: Hazards Determining WMD Presence WMD Protection Methods Key Issues for Investigating a WMD Scene An Introduction to the Identification of Military Ordnance Definitions Physical Characteristics of Military Ordnance Identification Features of Military Ordnance Dropped Ordnance (Bombs) Projected Ordnance (Projectiles, Rockets and Missiles) Thrown Ordnance (Grenades) Placed Ordnance (Mines) Capabilities of the Forensic Laboratory: Reading the Bombers' Signature Laboratory Capabilities in the Examination of IEDs Reading the Bombers' Signature Appendices Index Each chapter begins with an Introduction and concludes with a Chapter Review, Review Questions, References, and Additonal Reading

Review :
Tom Thurman has written what will soon be called "The Bible" of Post Blast Crime Scene Investigation. -Kevin Miles, FBI Special Agent Bomb Technician, Los Angeles, California, USA An effective no-nonsense step-by-step guide for Investigators...finally a work that is both technically accurate and an effective educational tool/guide for all of us who conduct or participate in Bomb Scene Investigations. -Alan Elliott, Inspector, Victoria Police and 1St Assistant International Director, International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI), Australia Tom Thurman's Practical Guide to Bombing Crime Scene Investigation prepares tomorrow's investigators for their role in defeating terrorists. Never before has a publication been as timely and so necessary. I am confident this book will save lives. -Jeffrey Norwitz, Professor of National Security Studies, U.S. Naval War College and Federal Special Agent This timely volume will become a benchmark reference for the law enforcement and military practitioner…A superbly crafted, practical reference…This work presents a contemporary, concise approach to post explosion investigation. -Vic Poisson, Senior Explosives Specialist, City of Riverside Police Department, California, USA