SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Discovery of a Suspected Device
A. A “suspected device” is defined as any package, container or exposed ordnance which by its
location, construction and the circumstances surrounding its discovery leads to the suspicion that it
may be an explosive/incendiary device. Any suspected device should be considered a “bomb”
until determined otherwise by a qualified Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.
B. The senior Cleveland Police Department patrol supervisor and the Cleveland Fire Department
Commander/OIC shall establish a field Command Post. The senior Cleveland Police Department
patrol supervisor remains responsible for the scene until relieved by a higher-ranking supervisor.
1. Placement of the Command Post should take into consideration such factors as the size of
the device, explosive capability, nature of the facility and danger to personnel. A safe
distance is usually considered to be 600 to 2000 feet, under cover.
2. The senior Cleveland Police Department patrol supervisor shall advise the
Communications Center and all law enforcement personnel on the scene of the location
of the Command Post using land phone lines or verbal communication.
3. The senior Cleveland Police Department patrol supervisor shall advise the
Communications Center, by land phone line or by verbal communication, to notify the
following support personnel:
a. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician on duty/call;
b. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal supervisor;
c. Ambulance and medical personnel;
d. The Cleveland Fire Department.
C. Cleveland Fire Department Engine Companies shall stage at a safe distance from the scene as
determined by the Commander/OIC. The Cleveland Fire Department will be in standby by mode
unless there is a detonation, and then they will switch to a rescue/fire suppression mode. Duties
other than fire suppression may be assigned by the Commander/OIC. Additional Engine
Companies and/or personnel if needed will be requested by the Incident Commander.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 108
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley