POST-BLAST INVESTIGATIONS COURSE

Presented by ATF

Summary

The course will provide participants with hands-on training, as they will be required to reconstruct components of an explosive device recovered through various investigative techniques. In addition, the curriculum requires the participants to participate in a guided practical exercise during which the participants investigate one of three bombing scenarios. The final practical exercise involves the processing of a crime scene caused by the detonation of a bomb inside of a vehicle. The practical exercises are designed to reinforce the specific duties of each team member and ATF’s “100 step method” of investigation. Upon completion of the two-week course, participants have a foundation for conducting post-blast scene investigations.

Course Objectives:

· Participants will become conversant with the terminology and understand the concepts relating to explosive theory.

· Student will learn team concepts and the advantages of conducting post-blast investigations using these techniques.

· Participants will learn investigative techniques and methodologies used in the investigation of a post-blast scene.

· Participants will be able to effectively reconstruct a post-blast crime scene.

· Participants will discuss post-blast identification, to include military ordnance.

· Participants will discuss international and country-specific elements of required proof.

· Participants will be able to define the role of the pathologist and chemist in a post-blast investigation.

· Participants will learn interviewing techniques that are unique to the post-blast investigation.