Las Vegas Fire & Rescue s2

LAS VEGAS FIRE & RESCUE

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

I.  INTRODUCTION

A.  Purpose: To state the basis in law for the establishment of the Bureau of Fire Investigations-Bomb Squad, the basis in law for the Bureau's authority to act, and the mission of the Bureau.

B.  Scope: The authorities and responsibilities listed in this section apply to all members of the Bureau of Fire Investigations - Bomb Squad.

C.  Author: The Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention (Fire Marshal), through the Supervisor of Fire Investigations - Bomb Squad and the Deputy Chief of Administration shall be responsible for the content, revision, and annual review of this section.

D.  Authority:

1.  Nevada Revised Statutes 266.310 (3), 289.250 (4b), and 475.125, and Las Vegas Municipal Code 2.20.040 provide the basis in law for the establishment of the Bureau of Fire Investigations-Bomb Squad, designate investigators of the Bureau as peace officers and provide the basis in law for the Bureau's authority to act.

2.  The Bureau of Fire Investigations – Bomb Squad is accredited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hazardous Devices School as an Accredited Bomb Squad.

II.  RESPONSIBILITY

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Bureau of Fire Investigations - Bomb Squad to be familiar with the authorities and responsibilities contained in this section and to carry out the mission of the Bureau.

III.  POLICY

A.  It is the policy of the Bureau of Fire Investigations - Bomb Squad to utilize its specialized human and material resources to:

1.  Conduct administrative investigation into the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires and explosions occurring in the City of Las Vegas, where significant property damage has occurred, or injuries or fatalities have resulted.

2.  Conduct criminal investigations in cases of arsons and related offenses, or attempts thereof.

3.  Prepare and submit criminal cases against adults and juveniles suspected in cases of arson and related offenses to the District Attorney for prosecution.

4.  Make felony and misdemeanor arrests without a warrant in accordance with Nevada statutes or pursuant to warrants issued by courts of law.

5.  Collect and preserve evidence at crime scenes for presentation in courts of law by:

a)  Interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects to obtain information.

b)  Photographing, measuring, and diagramming fire/crime scenes.

c)  Preparing and providing expert courtroom testimony on the origin and cause of fires and explosions.

6.  Render-safe and/or remove suspected or actual improvised explosive devices, incendiary devices, explosives, and explosive chemicals (as currently defined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives), pyrotechnics, and ammunition.

7.  Provide for the legal, proper, and safe transportation, storage, and/or disposal of explosives and other items referred to above.

8.  Conduct bombing crime scene investigations.

9.  Collect and preserve explosive evidence.

10. Prepare and provide expert courtroom testimony concerning explosives and improvised explosive devices.

11. Store, maintain, and inventory Bomb Squad equipment.

12. Provide technical and operational support to special operations where improvised explosive devices are present or suspected, i.e. warrant service, SWAT operations, undercover investigations.

13. Provide technical and operational support to dignitary protection operations.

14. Prepare and participate in explosive related training programs.

15. Maintain and be familiar with a technical library of FBI Bomb Data Center publications and other explosive related materials.

16. Maintain professional liaison with other state and local bomb squads, military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, federal agencies, and professional associations.

17. Compile and report technical data on explosive devices and incidents.

18. Develop agency emergency response plans for bomb threats, actual improvised explosive devices and bombing crime scenes.

19. Develop and promulgate threat management programs to public and private organizations.

20. Report found or recovered military ordnance to military EOD units. Establish liaison and follow their recommendations.

21. Prepare and maintain secure custody of extensive written reports and documentation.

22. Perform other duties as assigned in the furtherance of the mission of the Bureau and/or in support of department goals and objectives.