2006 Overview

WCPD Bomb Squad Background

• Began as a Master Officer Project in 1988

• FBI provides training and equipment through Bomb Squad Accreditation Program. Accredited in 1998.

• Additional support and training provided by ATF Explosives Technology Branch (ETB)

Services Available

• Real/Suspected IED Response

• Explosive Chemical Disposal (Picric Acid, Deteriorated Ether)

• Dignitary Protection/Special Event Response

• Robot response to SWAT calls

• Investigative Support in Bomb/Explosives cases

Personnel

• Manager Lt. Loren Cattolico• Supervisor Sgt./Bomb Technician Mike

McLaughlin• Bomb Technicians Officers Steve Gorski, Tony

Mangini, and Chris Stewart (Ret. Per Diem)• Assistants Res. Lt. Chris Flath, Sgt Jay Hill,

Officers Scott Moorhouse, Barry Mlaker

Bomb Squad Responses• Squad responds to suspicious

package and Improvised Explosive Devices

• Calls of Military Devices are referred to Military EOD Units

• Minimum Response normally two technicians. Assistants respond with complicated calls and are in training to be technicians.

Team Equipment& Resources

• Bomb Suits• X-Ray (Digital and Film)• Disrupter Tools• Basic Demolitions Capability• Digital Photography and mapping• Radiological Threat Assessment• Hand Tool and Rigging

Equipment• Bomb Truck• Small explosive device

transportation capability• Remotec Andros F6A Robot• Alarmed Explosives Magazine

Specialized Training• Various team members have received

specialized training including:– FBI Hazardous Devices School (5-6 weeks)– ATF Advanced Explosives Disposal Training (2

weeks)– FBI Post Basic and Advanced Post Blast

Investigation (2 weeks)– ATF Advanced Post Blast Investigation (2

weeks)– FBI HDS Robot Operations Course– Andros Factory Robot Maintenance and

Operations Training– VBIED Mitigation and Post Blast Investigation– 8 hours team training each month

Protective Equipment• Cotton uniforms for

static control• All Leather Boots• Med-Eng Bomb Suits

provide protection against fragmentation and blast overpressure

Typical Bomb Squad Response

• Assess initial information. Make recommendations to Incident Commander.

• Recon Item (Binoculars, X-Rays, Witness Statements). Safe Approach to device if necessary. Limit time on target.

• Decide if render safe procedure (RSP) is necessary.

• Perform RSP – Safety First! Evidence is a secondary concern.

• Assist with investigation.

2005 Statistics

• Total calls for 2005 – 59

• 26% increase over 2004

• Calls have increased each year for past 5 years.

2005 Statistics Breakdown

• Antioch – 3

• Brentwood - 4 • CCCSO & Contract Cities -10• Concord PD -11• CCC Haz-Mat - 2• CCC Comm. College - 2• CHP - 4• EBRPD - 1

• Martinez - 4• Pleasant Hill - 1• Pittsburg - 3• Richmond - 1• San Pablo - 1• USPS Inspectors - 1

• FBI - 1• WCPD - 7

Remotec Andros F6A Robot

• Up to five different camera views• Allows diagnosis and disruption without

endangering responders• Picks up and carries up to 40 lbs• Can drag heavier weights• Weapons Platform:

– 12 gauge disrupter cannon– 12 gauge Streetsweeper shotgun– 40 mm rotary gas gun

Andros F6A Robot

Robot Capabilities SWAT/HNT Ops• Capable of delivering throw phone and other

small objects• Two way audio – Can assist with negotiations• Excellent Video Capability

– Video can be sent to Incident Command

• Fiber optic system (1600’ range) .• 300’ cable hardline. Security required for

operators• Distractions

Robot Limitations

• Cumbersome, requires up to two people to deploy.

• Hard to manipulate in tight spaces• Weapons available for SWAT on case by case

basis.• Not to be placed in situations where likely to be

damaged unless necessary to safe a life*.

*Quote Lt. Cattolico “This thing isn’t going on suicide missions.”

Future Issues for Bomb Squad

• SWAT/HNT Integration.– Regular Training with SWAT and develop

proper procedures and policies.

• WMD/Hazmat Capability.• Hazardous materials teams do not have

explosives RSP capability.• SCBA program, level B chemical suits.• Supplement CCC Haz Mat and CA National

Guard Civil Support Teams.

• Emerging threats from abroad.– When will suicide,VBIED’s and roadside

bombs appear here?

Questions?