ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to acquaint the bomb scene investigator with the capabilities of the forensic laboratory and with the types of examinations that can be conducted on debris collected at the scene of a bombing or from a search of a potential subject's possessions. It also delves into an explanation of the term "bomber's signature", as it applies to the examination of multiple explosive devices, regarding their use of similar bomb construction materials and fabrication techniques, and why it is important for investigators to understand its significance in bombing investigations. Extensive latent fingerprint examinations were conducted on the hundreds of specimens recovered in the VANPAC bombing investigation. Additional materials analysis in the VANPAC investigation revealed that the white rubbery adhesive used in the device was actually a room-temperature-vulcanization (RTV) silicone compound. Although extensive toolmark examinations were conducted with the evidence from the four VANPAC devices, no significant associations were effected, except from the metallurgical investigation.
