The Explosives Unit
examines evidence associated with bombings. Explosives examinations
involve the identification and function of the components used
in the construction of incendiary as well as improvised explosive
devices. In addition, the Unit performs chemical analyses to
determine the type of explosive used in an improvised explosive
or incendiary device, which includes bulk substance analysis
as well as analysis of the residues left behind when an explosive
detonates.
Unit personnel also
assist investigators in determining whether debris from a fire
of suspicious origin indicates the presence of an accelerant.
Providing field support, bombing crime scene investigations,
and searches of bomb-making factories and safe houses in which
bombs or bomb components may be encountered are other responsibilities
of Unit personnel.
The Unit maintains
the Explosives
Reference Search System and the
Explosives Reference File.
For more information
about explosives evidence or the Explosives Unit, see the Explosives
Examinations
section of the Handbook
of Forensic Services.
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