7-809.01 - Suspicious Packages, Explosives, and Explosions

Policy

Sworn personnel should be aware of the potential for secondary devices and other potential hazards when responding to any scene involving a:

• Suspicious package
• Suspected explosive
• Suspected explosive package or device
• Suspected weapon of mass destruction (WMD)
• Chemical bomb
• Military ordnance
• Clandestine lab
• Explosion

Sworn personnel shall not handle or open any device, or utilize a canine to survey any suspicious package. Responding officers shall establish a perimeter and evacuate all persons (including EMS personnel) to a minimum distance of 500 feet. Portable radios and cell phones shall not be used in the immediate vicinity of the suspected threat. Only personnel assigned to the Bomb Squad shall cross the established perimeter.

Officers shall complete a CAPRS report coded BOMB.

• Suspicious Package or Device: Any package or device that is reported to be unusual in nature due to any of the following factors: location, size, shape, odor, wrapping, markings, no known origin, etc.
• Weapons of Mass Destruction: Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) are any destructive items/devices that incorporate explosives, toxic chemicals, biological materials, radiological materials, or nuclear materials, and are designed to inflict mass casualties and destruction of human life and/or property.