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

Now in its second edition, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation explores the investigative process that improvised explosive device (IED) specialists undertake at the scene of an explosion. Providing easy-to-understand, step-by-step procedures for managing and processing a bomb scene, it enables investigators to find the evidence and then make sense of what is found. The book is not only a roadmap of knowledge on how to find and collect evidence, but also an instructional guide on how to safely and effectively assess the scene. New in this Edition: Information on detonation pressure and its effects on the body Instructions on how to collect additional information from the scene in order to provide an estimate of the explosives weight of the IED A glossary for a more in-depth understanding of the terms associated with explosives and the investigation processes A greatly expanded IED component identification chapter A chapter on how to expeditiously investigate a post-blast scene in a hostile environment Information on how to prepare an Investigative Report

Table of Contents:
Explosion Theory and Dynamics Introduction 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 Types of Explosions Explosion Effects Explosion Scene Investigation Summary Review Questions References and Additional Reading Identification and Recognition of Commercial, Improvised, and Military Explosives Introduction Short History of Explosives Low Explosives Black Powder Pyrodex Photoflash Powder Smokeless Powder Commercial High Explosives Primary Explosives Secondary Explosives Water-Based Products Water Gel or Slurry Explosives Emulsion Explosives Boosters Binary Explosives Sheet Explosives Foreign Explosives United States Military Explosives Trinitrotoluene Charges (TNT) Composition 4 (C-4) Sheet Explosives Military Dynamite Improvised Explosives Initiation Systems and Components Initiators Chapter Summary Review Questions References and Additional Reading Improvised Explosive Device Components: Pre- and Post-Blast Identification Introduction Improvised Explosive Devices Factors Affecting Improvised Explosive Device Construction Basic Components of the Improvised Explosive Device Primary Effect Provided by Type of Improvised Explosive Devices Appearance of an Improvised Explosive Device Components of the Improvised Explosive Device Fuzing Systems Investigative Process Chapter Summary Review Questions References and Additional Reading Investigation of the Explosion Scene and Collection of Evidence Introduction Investigative Outline Initial Response Evaluation of the Explosion Scene Entering the Scene (Scene Investigation) Documentation of the Explosion 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 Special Situations for Evidence Collection Final Survey Release of the Scene Summary Review Questions References and Additional Reading Bomb Scene Investigator and Weapons of Mass Destruction Introduction Types of Weapons of Mass Destruction Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Materials Nuclear Materials Biological Materials Chemical Agents Weapons of Mass Destruction Hazards Determining the Presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction Weapons of Mass Destruction Protection Methods Key Issues for Investigating a Weapons of Mass Destruction Scene Preincident Planning Determining Whether a WMD Was Used Assessing Scene Control and Security Ensuring That Appropriate Protection Methods Are Employed Addressing Immediate Life Safety Hazards Contacting Appropriate Outside Agencies for Assistance Identifying and Preserving Evidence Summary Review Questions References and Additional Reading Introduction to the Identification of Military Ordnance Introduction Definitions Physical Characteristics of Military Ordnance Identification Features of Military Ordnance Dropped Ordnance Projected Ordnance Thrown Ordnance Placed Ordnance Chapter Summary Review Questions References and Additional Reading Capabilities of the Forensic Laboratory: Reading the Bomber’s Signature Introduction Laboratory Capabilities in the Examination of Improvised Explosive Devices Device Reconstruction Explosive Residue Analysis Latent Fingerprint Examinations Materials Analysis Document Examinations Toolmark Examinations Metallurgical Examinations DNA Analysis Reading the Bomber’s Signature Introduction Chapter Review Review Questions References and Additional Reading Tactical Post-Blast Investigation Introduction Tactical Scene Investigative Outline Organization of the Investigative Team: Personnel and Equipment Route Security and Access to the Scene Scene Assessment Scene Investigation: Documentation, Collection of Evidence, and Witness Interviews Final Survey Return to the Secure Zone Summary Review Questions References and Additional Reading Appendices Index

About the Author :
James T. Thurman has worked in the explosives field for more than 30 years, first as a U.S. Army bomb disposal technician and then as a special agent with the FBI. He continues to lecture and provide training on the methods of bomb scene investigation and explosives avoidance to domestic and international training schools and audiences. He is currently a professor at the Eastern Kentucky University, teaching a unique academic program on fire, arson, and explosion investigation. He holds a BA from Eastern Kentucky University and an MS Degree in Forensic Science from the George Washington University.

Review :
We all owe Tom Thurman a debt of gratitude for giving us Practical Bomb Scene Investigation, which I highly recommend ! -- From the Foreword, written by Louis J. Freeh, former FBI Director from 1993--2001 We have used Practical Bomb Scene Investigation as aareference for our Australian National Bomb Scene Course, and I am currently updating our course material, to bring it into closer alignment with the book. I did look at several other books, but I thought Practical Bomb Scene Investigation was pitched at just the right level for a practicing crime scene officer or detective. It was reasonably priced as well, and the students take it away to become a lasting reference for them. --John Kelleher, Team Leader, Fire and Explosion Unit, Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre, Australia Packed with new photos, updated procedures, exciting and innovative strategies; Tom Thurman has improved on his already exceptional book with this second edition.a There is no finer volume for operators who handle bombs and investigate criminal use of explosives. Likewise, for policy makers, educators, and media who seek to expand their understanding of IEDs, Thurman's book is indispensable. --Jeffrey H. Norwitz, NCIS (Retired), Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Practical Bomb Scene Investigation, Second Edition, is the quintessential book and text on this topic. Well-written, extensively illustrated with fantastic photographs, and comprehensive coverage of the topic, it is indispensible. I worked with the author Tom Thurman at the FBI Laboratory and this book is "pure Thurman" -- useful, authoritative, and accessible. Practical Bomb Scene Investigation, Second Edition, should be the standard text for every explosives course. -- Max M. Houck, PhD, Analytic Services, Inc. (ANSER)