5-06/080.15 - Patrol Unit's Responsibilities - Notifications - Safety Precautions



When a suspected bomb, explosive device or booby trap is found by field personnel, the following shall be adhered to:

  • DO NOT TOUCH OR MOVE THE DEVICE;
  • DO NOT MAKE RADIO TRANSMISSIONS WITHIN 300 FEET OF THE DEVICE;
  • Ensure evacuation procedure is followed as written in section 5-06/080.10;
  • IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY ARSON/EXPLOSIVES DETAIL of the situation;other immediate telephone notifications to:
    • Station/Unit desk, to advise the Watch Commander;
    • Fire Department for response to the location; and
    • Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau;
  • Maintain crime scene control of the location, pending arrival of Arson/Explosives Detail personnel;
  • Deploy patrol units to a position where they can physically direct Arson/Explosives Detail personnel to the exact location of the suspected or real bomb;
    • At a large facility, this may require a unit located at the closest major intersection;
  • Restrain news media from entering the evacuated area;
    • All news media should be directed to the Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau representative who will act as liaison between the Arson/Explosives Detail member, Incident Commander, and the media;
    • No radio transmissions should be permitted by the news media until the area has been deemed clear of explosives.  This decision will rest with Arson/Explosives Detail personnel;
    • The safety corridor may be extended to any distance deemed necessary by an Arson/Explosives Detail member.  This area should be deemed a crime scene, and Section 409.5(d) Penal Code shall not apply to the media; and
    • After the emergency area has been cleared by Arson/Explosives Detail personnel, a "walk-through" for the press may be conducted at the discretion of the Arson/Explosives Detail member in charge.