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July 1990
POLICE PRACTICES:
BOMB DOG TEAMS
There are times when police departments may require the
services of an explosives detection dog team. When such an
emergency occurs, the U.S. Air Force Security Police can respond
to such requests with military dog teams. However, there is one
condition that accompanies each response--the Air Force cannot
be held liable for any damages or consequences arising from the
search.
Most Air Force security police squadrons have bomb dog
teams, which consist of an experienced handler, a highly trained
explosives detection dog, and a spotter who assists the handler
and acts as backup. Each team is proficient in detecting
several common types of explosives and can provide detection
capability for bomb threats, suspicious packages, airport
security breaches, and terrorist incidents.
Team Response
During the past 2 years, explosives detection dog teams from
the 63d Security Police Squadron (63d SPS) at Norton Air Force
Base in California assisted Federal and local authorities in over
20 incidents. The teams responded to bomb threats at local
government buildings and shopping centers and cleared VIP
platforms and routes for such dignitaries as former President
Reagan, the Duchess of York, and the President of Colombia.
After receiving a call for assistance from the California
Highway Patrol, an explosives detection dog team searched a
vehicle used by an arrested grenade-tossing driver who terrorized
several miles of California freeway. In another incident, a 63d
SPS team conducted a baggage and commercial airliner search when
notified by airport police that the carrier received several bomb
threats on an inbound aircraft.
To Request Assistance
Civilian police agencies should coordinate requests for
assistance with local Air Force Security Police. The law
enforcement desk sergeant is the designated point of contact for
bomb dog requests. The sergeant, in turn, obtains permission
from the chief of security police and the base commander to
dispatch the dog team off base. The base commander is advised of
the nature of the request and any impact it would have on base
operations. Unless the team is conducting a search on base, or
there is an impending military mission, the request is honored
within a matter of minutes. Military necessity governs the
priority of the dispatch.
For example, on February 19, 1990, the 63d SPS received a
request for assistance from the San Bernandino Sheriff's Office.
There was the possibility that three explosive devices had been
planted in the county courthouse. Within 3 minutes, the law
enforcement desk officer received permission to dispatch the
team. Thirteen minutes later, the team was on its way to the
courthouse. With this particular incident, a team was on duty
and available for immediate dispatch. When a team is off duty,
the handler maintains contact with the law enforcement desk
officer by informing the desk officer of location and telephone
number at all times. This is to ensure the handler is in
constant contact with the law enforcement desk in the event of an
emergency. When off duty, team response time is less than 1
hour.
On the Scene
Once the team arrives on site, it reports directly to the
commanding law enforcement officer for a final situation report.
The handler then briefs the commanding officer on the search
pattern, the method to be used for alerting and marking the
device, and any other information that may be pertinent to the
search. If the dog alerts to an explosive device, the handler
marks the area or item where the explosive device can be found.
The explosives detection dog team does not deactivate the
device. That responsibility rests with law enforcement bomb
disposal experts. The length of the search, which may take up to
several hours, depends on the area or the item being searched.
After completing a search, or in the event an explosive device is
located, the handler then debriefs the on-scene law enforcement
commander.
Conclusion
Air Force explosives detection dog teams constitute a
valuable resource that is available to law enforcement agencies.
Use of this service can counter potentially dangerous situations
that threaten the safety and well-being of citizens in any
community.
____________
Information for this column was obtained from Capt. James L.
Setzer, 63d SPS/Operations Officer, Norton AFB, California.