ABSTRACT
In addition to explosion dynamics, explosives characteristics, and the methods of investigating a bomb scene (Chapter 4), a bomb scene investigator should be knowledgeable of IED components and, thereby, be procient in identifying these components in two forms: (1) undamaged and (2) damaged components. Undamaged and pristine components result from a device that has failed to explode as intended, and fragmented components result from the explosion of an improvised device. As such, in order to conduct an eective investigation of a bomb scene, the investigator is required to be competent in locating the evidence resulting from the explosion of a device and thereby make the distinction between what is and what is not evidence or important to the scene. However, if in doubt regarding the source of a fragment found at the scene, the investigator should collect it. is logical requirement depends on the investigator’s ability to identify the fragmented components of an exploded device. Additionally, an understanding of the very basic types of fuzing systems and construction techniques utilized to construct improvised devices will assist the investigator in the identication and collection of evidence at the bomb scene. is understanding concerns the relationship among components that may be used in device construction. For example, should the investigator nd the fragmented
remains of a 1.5-V C-cell battery with electrical wire among the debris, it would be logical to assume that the device utilized an electrical fuzing system, consisting of at least a battery for the power source and electrical wiring to carry the electrical energy from the battery. However, what of the other components? With a basic knowledge of electrical fuzing systems, investigators can then direct their attention, but not exclusively, to nding the other logical components, which could include a battery holder, an electrical tape, a solder, an electrically initiated initiator, and some type of electrical switching mechanism to activate the bomb. Knowledge regarding device components provides investigative lead information with which to pursue other components and, ultimately, link the scene with the subject.
