Bomb Incidents

[Virtual Presenter] Good morning everyone. Today I'm here to discuss the San Antonio Airport Police Department's General Manual 803, which covers our procedures for responding to bomb incidents. I'll be going over the definition of a bomb incident, the procedures we must take to securely investigate and handle them, and the resources available to us for help in dealing with them. Let's get started..

[Audio] Discussing the guidelines set in place by the SAAPD General Manual 803 for police responses to bomb threats, suspicious packages and possible explosive devices is critical for officers to be aware of. This procedure outlines how calls should be classified, and how patrol officers should respond when an actual or suspected explosive device is located. Officers must always focus on the safety of those around them and must not attempt to move, disarm or attempt to disarm any explosive device. Instead, the Bomb Squad should be contacted through the San Antonio Airport Communications Center in order to assist in any possible explosive incident. It is essential that protocol is followed when handling any explosive device..

[Audio] When receiving a bomb threat call, the officer needs to attempt to have someone nearby contact the Communications Center by land line. If that is not feasible, the officer should contact the Communications Center themselves. During the call, it is important to try to get as much information out of the caller as possible, such as the location of the bomb, the time it is set to detonate, the reason it was planted, and any other details that could help locate the bomb or the person responsible. It is essential to take all necessary safety precautions when responding to a possible bomb threat..

[Audio] Upon receipt of a bomb threat call, it is important for communication personnel to document the exact words used in the threat. The Aviation Duty Manager will then implement bomb threat protocol and officers, including a supervisory officer, may be dispatched to the scene. The SAPD Bomb Squad will decide if the Fire Department's Arson Investigator needs to be notified and the Homicide Unit may be notified if the bomb threat involves extortion. The Communications Center Supervisor will then keep monitoring the call until its completion. These are the steps that need to be taken when responding to bomb threats..

[Audio] When responding to an incident involving a bomb, it is essential to take a number of precautionary steps to protect everyone involved. Firstly, it is important to ensure that all radios at the scene remain on but no one should transmit using them. Furthermore, all cellular phones, vehicle laptop computers, in car video microphones, and body worn cameras should not be used within three hundred (300) feet of the incident. Where possible, communication should be done via a hard-line telephone. Additionally, it is important to contact the reporting person, if other than the Communications Unit dispatcher, to discover the nature of the incident, the location of the device (if known), the particulars of the call (if applicable), and the identity of the party in control of the premises..

[Audio] Today I'm going to talk about Supervisory Officer Responsibilities in regards to bomb incidents. To start, when responding to the scene, it is important to utilize the Airport Police K9 EDU Teams to search the area for possible explosive devices, if available. If K9 EDU Teams are not available, officers will check the area for possible explosive devices. It is also important to ensure all personnel responding check-in prior to entering the premises. Additionally, sufficient personnel must be summoned as needed for perimeter and point control for the direction and control of traffic, crowd, and media. Finally, if the threat is made against the Airport or a private business, it is the Police's role to advise the Aviation Department Leadership or the owner/person in charge of the facility of the recommendation as to the validity of the threat and if a search or sweep should be conducted. Ultimately, the Police must coordinate the Police response and render the decision when to conclude operations..

[Audio] Today I'll be talking about the SAAPD general manual 803, which contains important info about explosive threats against aircraft. Upon notification of such a threat, the Airport Communications Center will notify the Aviation Duty Manager who will implement the Aviation bomb threat protocol. The Triage Team will assist Airport Operations in determining the validity of the threat, and officers will contact the person responsible for the premises. K9 EDU Teams may also be utilized to search the aircraft, luggage and cargo areas. Finally, all initial responders must ensure that no radio transmissions occur at the scene and establish a location for telephone communication. Cell phones are prohibited, due to the radio magnetic waves they create..

[Audio] We will discuss explosive threats in unspecified areas. If the location of a potential explosive device is unknown, procedures have been put in place by Airport Police Division to notify all necessary parties. All airline and tenant organizations must search their respective areas. When the party responsible for the building or premises is located, they should be instructed to conduct a search. Furthermore, K9 EDU Teams can be employed to carry out random sweeps and searches, in an effort to detect potential explosives..

[Audio] We are going to discuss an important topic - Bomb incidents. Bomb incidents are a reality in our world, so it is essential to understand how to respond to them in order to remain safe. We will be studying the San Antonio Police Department General Manual 803 which provides a protocol for bomb searches and evacuations. It is necessary that we familiarize ourselves with the information within the manual. Let us review the content and how it can be applied in various scenarios..

Searching. 1. The SAAPD supervisor will confer with the owner/person in charge of the premises regarding any search, and will determine on a case-by-case basis if Officers will assist in the search, and if so, how assistance can be rendered. 2. Airport Police will advise the owner/ person in charge of safety considerations. a. No radio or cellular phone transmissions. b. Do not touch any suspicious items. c. Contact police immediately if any suspicious items are located. d. Have the employees take their personal items (purses, backpacks, briefcases, etc.), if an evacuation is conducted. Also, have the employees check their work areas as they evacuate to see if anything unusual is present. e. The Bomb Squad will conduct a search of the location, if requested by the officer at the scene or by the owner/person in charge of the premises. f. K9 EDU Teams will not be utilized to search/sweep any vehicle, luggage, package and/or item that has been deemed “Suspicious.” g. K9 EDU Teams may be used to sweep for the following: 1. Secondary devices. 2. Safe staging area for evacuations and/or evacuations routes. 3. Safe staging area for Incident Command Post..

[Audio] Regarding potential bomb incidents, evacuation should be conducted to a minimum safe distance of 300 feet away from the area. Evacuation should be carried out quickly and prior to the time given for the bomb to explode. Upon evacuation, it is important to ensure that all employees and customers are accounted for. An assembly point should be designated for them to gather..

FOUND EXPLOSIVE DEVICES. abstract.

[Audio] The Communications Center is responsible for requesting the SAPD Bomb Squad to proceed to the scene of a bomb incident as quickly as possible and the Communications Supervisor will monitor the call until it is completed. It is very important that these steps are carried out promptly and correctly in order to guarantee the safety of everyone involved. Let us take a closer look at these obligations..

[Audio] Our primary responsibility as initial responders to a suspicious package or suspected explosive device is to protect the public. We must contact the reporting party to identify the location, then set up a perimeter to block pedestrian and vehicular traffic from entering the area. We should evacuate the immediate area to a minimum distance of three hundred feet, and in the case of multi-floor buildings, evacuate the floor the bomb is on, the floor above, and the floor below. Depending on the situation, additional floors and the entire building may need to be evacuated too. Officers should take advantage of natural protective barriers while carrying out the evacuation..

[Audio] We, as supervisory officers, have a pressing duty to ensure the safety of all people at the site of any bomb incident: officers, civilians alike. Upon arrival, it is imperative that we take control and confirm there are enough personnel to deal with it and effectuate necessary evacuations. We must guarantee that the SAPD Bomb Squad was alerted and Command notification is carried out where required. Most importantly, we must build a command post to retain control of the situation and ultimately decide when it is secure enough for staff to come back to service..

SUICIDE BOMBERS.

[Audio] The security threat of bomb incidents is very real and law enforcement officers must be prepared to respond appropriately should a suicide bomber be encountered prior to an attack. This slide outlines a guideline to help officers prepare for such occasions. It's a difficult topic, but one that requires much thought and consideration from everyone..

[Audio] The Communications Center has several responsibilities to be fulfilled in the event of a suspected bomb incident. Firstly, dispatching at least two officers and a supervisor to the scene is essential. Secondly, the San Antonio Police Department Bomb Squad must be notified and put on stand-by. Lastly, the Communications Center Supervisor should be made aware of the call to ensure proper protocol is followed and all persons are kept safe..

[Audio] Gathering as much information as possible should be the first priority when approaching a potential suicide bomber. The Communications Center should be contacted to summon the SAPD Bomb Squad to confirm the identity of the suspect. Once the suspect is identified, officers should maintain control by ordering them to stand still, and not close the distance to negotiate. In order to avoid confusion, only one person should be allowed to speak. Setting up a perimeter and evacuating the area of non-essential personnel will ensure everyone’s safety and limit the damage of any potential explosive device..

[Audio] If the suspect is compliant, officers should direct them to show their hands and step away from the device. Furthermore, officers should have the suspect remove their clothing and turn 360 degrees to ensure no other explosives are present. After this, the suspect should be directed to officers on the perimeter to be taken into custody. Additionally, officers should maintain perimeter security and not approach the explosive device until the SAPD Bomb Squad has arrived and determined the area is safe. This is imperative for law enforcement to handle a bomb incident effectively..

[Audio] Discussing the SAAPD General Manual 803 which outlines the use of necessary force by an officer when faced with a potentially dangerous situation, if an officer deems a situation to be a threat to their safety or the safety of others, they are allowed to use the necessary force to protect themselves and any other persons in the area. Understanding the proper protocols for responding to bomb incidents and using necessary force judiciously and appropriately is of utmost importance..

[Audio] When a bomb incident occurs, the Supervisory Officer has a number of important duties to execute in order to guarantee the safety of officers, civilians, and any other personnel present. This entails establishing if the perimeter is secured, making sure personnel have been cleared, notifying the Fire Department and the Bomb Squad of the incident, and delegating officers to provide security for the Fire Department. Additional steps may have to be taken to contain the situation, and the Supervisory Officer is liable for that. Eventually, the Supervisory Officer has to determine when it is safe to terminate activities and assign officers back to duty. This is a crucial role that must be handled with the utmost seriousness..

[Audio] It is essential that officers do not enter the scene of a post-blast until it has been cleared by the SAPD Bomb Squad. If there are people inside of the post-blast scene, officers should only enter to conduct emergency lifesaving actions. If officers do end up entering the scene, they should be aware of possible secondary devices and possible unexploded ordnance, due to a low-order of the explosive device. Additionally, officers should consider the use of their Personal Protective Equipment whenever dealing with a post-blast scene. This is to protect them from any potential blood or body parts that could be spread over the area, which present a biological hazard. PPE boots, gloves, and a mask are at a minimum of protection. Understanding the SAPD General Manual 803 is essential for post-blast situations and the protection of officers and civilians alike..

[Audio] When dealing with suspicious packages and potential chemical and biological agents, remain vigilant. In the event of such a situation, contact the dispatcher to alert the SAPD Bomb Squad. If necessary, identify and detain those exposed to the package or suspected substance for decontamination. Additionally, always utilize your personal protective equipment, specifically your respiratory protection..

[Audio] When citizens come across any war souvenirs, live ammunition, dynamite, percussion caps, fuses, or any other explosive device, police officers should be aware of the risks associated with these items. It is crucial that if an individual brings an explosive device to an airport police facility, officers should immediately evacuate the building and contact the Communication Center to call for the Bomb Squad. If a citizen turns over any of these items to an Officer, they should be aware that the items may be potentially dangerous and that all property rights to the items will be relinquished. It is therefore essential that officers take all necessary precautions when dealing with explosive devices..

[Audio] When dealing with improvised explosive devices, it is important to keep yourself and those around you out of harm's way. The SAAPD General Manual 803 outlines a standardized safe standoff distance for various types of IEDs, depending on their size and type. It is essential to stay at least the suggested minimum distance when encountering one, as an IED is a dangerous weapon and could explode at any time..

[Audio] This slide focuses on the security protocols around improvised explosive devices, commonly called IEDs. According to the SAAPD General Manual 803, the safe standoff distance for an IED explosion is affected by several key factors, including the type of explosives, the size and shape of the device, and the surrounding environment. For your reference, this slide provides a concise overview of these distances based on a variety of common scenarios. I want to thank you for your attention and for taking the time to view this presentation..