Now in its Third Edition, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation explores the investigative process that improvised explosive device (IED) specialists undertake at the scene of an explosion. Providing easy-to-understand, step-by-step procedures for managing and processing a bomb scene, it enables investigators to find the evidence and then make sense of what is found. The book is not only a roadmap on how to find and collect evidence and assess the scene, but also provides instruction on identifying the bombmaker's signature through latent print, DNA, explosive residue, metallurgical, and toolmark examination and forensic analysis.
Dedication
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Forward
Introduction
Chapter One: Explosion Theory and Dynamics
Chapter Two: Identification and Recognition of Commercial, Improvised, and Military Explosives
Chapter Three: Improvised Explosive Device Components: Pre- and Post-Blast Identification
Chapter Four: Investigation of the Explosion Scene and Collection of Evidence
Chapter Five: Bomb Scene Investigator and　Weapons of Mass Destruction
Chapter Six: Introduction to the Identification of Military Ordnance
Chapter Seven: Capabilities of the Forensic Laboratory: Reading the Bomber’s Signature
Chapter Eight: Tactical Post-Blast Investigation
Appendix A: Chart of Explosive Products
Appendix B: United States and Foreign Names of Explosives, Part I and Part II
Appendix C: Access Control Log
Appendix D: Guidelines for the Prevention of Contamination of Explosives Evidence
Appendix E: Personnel Resources for the Bomb Scene Investigation
Appendix F: Supplies and Equipment for the Bomb Scene Investigation
Appendix G: Administrative Worksheet
Appendix H: Narrative Description
Appendix I: Evidence Recovery Log
Appendix J: Latent Print Lift Log
Appendix K: Photographic Log
Appendix L: Diagram Log
Appendix M: Explosive Residue Swabbing Instructions
Appendix N: Standard Military Ordnance Color Coding System
Appendix O: Bomb Threat Stand-Off Distances
Appendix P: Table of Bioterrorism Agent Properties
Appendix Q: Table of Chemical Agent Properties
Glossary
Index
Biography
James T. Thurman has worked in the explosives field for more than 30 years, first as a U.S. Army bomb disposal technician and then as a special agent with the FBI. He continues to lecture and provide training on the methods of bomb scene investigation and explosives avoidance to domestic and international training schools and audiences. He is currently a professor at the Eastern Kentucky University, teaching a unique academic program on fire, arson, and explosion investigation. He holds a BA from Eastern Kentucky University and an MS Degree in Forensic Science from the George Washington University.
