Emergency first responders have a difficult and challenging task; balancing a wide spectrum of 21st Century terrorist threats with the very real and existing threats posed by criminal activity or lunatic behavior. One 21st Century threat which all first responders must be prepared for involves the use of IEDs, booby-traps and explosives.

While the potential for spectacular acts of international and domestic terror can (and should) never be discounted, our existing threat comes from criminals and others who may or may not have a recognizable agenda or even a criminal past. What many of these individuals have in common is a willingness and desire to use explosives as a weapon of intimidation.

Incidents involving an active shooter/bombers, booby-trapped homes or businesses, ambushes and attacks on first responders, 'Doomsday events', discoveries of improvised explosive labs and planned 'lone wolf' attacks using low-budget attack methods are occurring with increasing regularity, reminding us all that we live in a world where the use of explosives is both credible and real.

It is essential that emergency first responders recognize the threat posed by IEDs and explosives, become aware of existing threats and perform as an effective partner at scenes involving explosives. Our adversaries; whether terrorist, criminal or just plain nut-jobs, constantly evolve and refine their tactics, techniques and procedures. So should we.

This class is designed to provide you, the law enforcement officer, with skills which will make you smarter and safer at incidents involving explosives.

Topics Covered:

• Recognition and Identification of Domestic Improvised Explosive Devices
• Criminal and Terrorist Use of IEDs and Explosives
• Commercial Explosives and Military Ordnance Awareness
• Situational Awareness; the Interpretation of Cues and Indicators to Reduce Risk
• Responses to Incidents Involving Explosives and Explosions
• Bomb Threat Procedures