A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation

4
Background
National Bombing Scene Planning Panel (NBSPP)
The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) at the University of
Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, a grantee of the National Institute of
Justice (NIJ), held a National Needs Symposium on Arson and Explosives
in August 1997. The symposium’s purpose was to identify problem
areas associated with the collection and analysis of fire and explosion
debris. One of the problem areas identified was the need for improved,
consistent evidence recognition and handling procedures.
In spring 1998, NIJ and NCFS, using NIJ’s template for creating technical
working groups, decided to develop guidelines for fire/arson and
explosion/bombing scene investigations. The NIJ Director selected
members for a planning group to craft the explosion/bombing investigation
guidelines—NBSPP. At the same time, the NIJ Director selected a
fire/arson planning panel. The nine NBSPP members represent national
and international organizations whose constituents are responsible for
investigating explosion and bombing scenes and evaluating evidence
from these investigations. The group also includes one academic researcher.
The rationale for their involvement was twofold:
◆ They represent the diversity of the professional discipline.
◆ Each organization is a key stakeholder in the conduct of explosion
and bombing investigations and the implementation of this Guide.
NBSPP was charged with developing an outline for national guidelines
for explosion and bombing scene investigations—using the format
in the NIJ publication Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene
Investigator 1 as a template—and identifying the expertise composition of
a technical working group for explosion/bombing scene investigations.
This task was completed in March 1998 at a meeting at NCFS; the
results are presented here.