KortneySchaum WE8

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1 Crime Scene Preparation and Investigation of the Democratic-Republican National Convention (DRNC) Kortney Schaum Saint Leo University CRJ548: Crime Scene Investigation and Management Dr. Jade Pumphrey May 6 th , 2023

2 Abstract The most common explosive devices encountered by firefighters and police officers in the United States are pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails, and other improvised explosive devices (Reno et al., n.d.). A five-day long convention is set to take place in Miami, Florida this year called the Democratic-Republican National Convention. Five suspicious package calls were flagged at various locations on the day of the DRNC. Three of the five bombs, which were all real and not hoaxes, were rendered by the bomb squad. Several casualties and injuries were caused by the other two bombs that exploded at different locations. Under the direction of Major Susan Barker, joint forensics teams are assembled for this event. First responders and crime scene investigators will be sent to both crime scenes in the wake of these bombings, according to Major Barker. All personnel need to be warned about secondary devices or other hazards at the scene by Major Barker. In addition to the primary explosive device, a secondary explosive device may have been used at the scene in order to kill or injure first responders (Reno et al., n.d.). Efforts must be made to preserve and locate every piece of evidence. As well as that, the agencies need to work together to piece together all evidence in order to identify the suspects and save as many lives as possible. Keywords : explosives, first responders, crime scene, casualties

3 Crime Scene Preparation and Investigation of the Democratic-Republican National Convention (DRNC) In the United States, pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails, and other improvised explosive devices are among the most common explosive devices encountered by firefighters and police officers (Reno et al., n.d.). Usually, flammable liquids and black and smokeless powders are used as explosive materials (Reno et al., n.d.). Historically, forensic science has investigated explosions ranging from home accidents and workplace attacks to major terrorist attacks. In order to uncover the truth about the bombing, the investigation is of utmost importance. Taking careful notes about structural damage, injuries, and deaths helps investigators piece together what happened (A Simplified Guide, n.d.). During the Democratic-Republican National Convention, two bombings occur, which prompted Major Susan Barker to conduct a major investigation into bombing mass casualties. DRNC Background In Miami, Florida the largest event is set to be held known as the Democratic-Republican National Convention which is a five-day long event. With this event it brings in tens of thousands of delegates, visitors, and protestors. But with these large events there are lots of crime and disturbances that occur. Which is why the Miami-Dade Police Department has been designated the lead local agency, however they do not hold enough workers to withstand this large event which is why thirty plus other agencies are included to help this event such as the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Miami-Dade crime lab, and more. Several months before the event there were six hoax devices were found in various location around downtown Miami. Due to the great surveillance tool that was also used at the 2007 Superbowl was implemented for the DRNC descriptions were able to be made of the two subjects. They were

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4 two white males about 5’6” and weighting roughly 140 pounds. Unfortunately, the men were never found. On the day of the DRNC the cameras were flagged again for five suspicious package calls at various locations. The bomb squad was able to render three out of the five, which all turned out to be real bombs and not hoaxes. The other two devices detonated in separate locations leaving many casualties and many injured. Arriving to Scene Joint forensics teams are assembled for this event under the direction of Major Susan Barker. The first step for these bombing occurrences is for Major Barker to send all of the crime scene investigation groups and first responders to both of these crime scenes. The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) Bomb Squad is going to have to split up their forces to send half their team to Vizcaya Metrorail Station and another to the Earlington Heights Monorail. It is important that Major Barker advises all personnel of any secondary devices or other hazards which might be at the scene. A secondary explosive device may have been set up at the scene to kill or hurt first responders (Reno et al., n.d.). If there is a secondary device is located, it is important to immediately evacuate the area until the MDPD Bomb Squad disarm the bombs. Once the bombs are disarmed first responders and forensics are able to resume their duties. The second priority is to render first aid to the injured after searching the scene for secondary devices. Hazardous Materials and Situations Major Susan Barker will also need to request for additional resources and personnel such as building inspectors, utility company representatives such as gas, water, and electric to identify hazards (News & Terrorism, n.d.). Not only will that personnel will be needed but so will the FBI Hazardous material response team. These teams will need to eb split up between the two

5 crime scenes. As part of their duties, these employees will identify hazards, such as structural collapse, blood-borne pathogens, and hazardous chemicals (News & Terrorism, n.d.). Additionally, fire and toxic smoke can result from secondary hazards, such as power outages, ruptured gas lines and water mains, and debris (News & Terrorism, n.d.). Fleeing citizens may cause traffic accidents in the area of the blast due to poor traffic control. It is important to get the area under control to avoid from any more injuries. First responders should aid to the victims after they know the coast in clear from any hazards or secondary devices. It is also important to get everyone out of the area as this is an open crime scene and to get anyone out of any surrounding buildings as they might have been impacted from the bombing causing structural damage. Crime Scene Investigation of a Bombing Explosions are sudden releases of physical and chemical energy, usually accompanied by light, heat, and sound, carried by a high-pressure wave (Reno et al., n.d.). Forensic investigators can face significant challenges when determining the cause of an explosion. In order to aid rescue efforts and preserve the scene, first responders will establish control over the scene and restrict access to essential personnel (Reno et al., n.d.). Documentation will be started by first responders. In the aftermath of the victim's treatment, attention is turned to the containment of the crime scene and evidence preservation. In order to accomplish this, the surrounding areas of the blast site are roped off and only authorized personel are allowed in. Prior to conducting the actual investigation, photographs and sketches should be taken, and the search should be meticulously planned and systematic (Reno et al., n.d.). It would be best to conduct a search based on a grid pattern in the area. The method is an efficient and thorough way of searching crime scenes, involving conducting two-way searches, first in a straight line, then in a

6 perpendicular line (Reno et al., n.d.). This method is helpful in large outdoor crime scenes like this one. It is recommended to photograph each evidence item prior to collecting it. Following the recovery of the evidence from the crime scene, the MDPD laboratory work begins on reconstructing what caused the destruction. Switches, wiring, timers, and circuit boards will often remain intact even when an explosion occurs (A Simplified Guide, n.d.). By knowing that the timer was made from a particular type of watch, for example, it might be possible to narrow down the search for the creator or the location of its origin. Multiple Casualties Crime Scenes The term "mass casualty incident" refers to an incident where there are more casualties than resources available for emergency medical services, such as personnel and equipment. Major Susan Barker should be in close contact with the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner to help prepare for this double crime scene casualties. It is important that the local medical examiner or coroner already has a plan in place for properly identifying victims in cases of mass fatalities (Hart, n.d.). An incident of mass fatality may exceed the capacity and resources of the Miami- Dade Medical Examiner. The local, state, and federal governments should be contacted immediately for additional help in this case as this might extend the medical examiner's capability (Hart, n.d.). A successful disaster morgue identification process begins with quality work at the recovery scene and is influenced by the quality of work done at the recovery scene (Hart, n.d.). An objective field numbering system should be implemented in order to maintain field provenience and reduce complications in the disaster morgue process of accessioning remains (Wiersema & Woody, 2016). Assigning numbers to other types of evidence on site requires coordination between the medicolegal authority and the other agencies (Wiersema & Woody, 2016). When mapping, the goal is to minimize confusion caused by duplicate numbers

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7 (Wiersema & Woody, 2016). The grid searching method will also be helpful in searching for more fatalities. Conclusion Unfortunately, with large events there are always the possibility of bombings and disturbances occurring. With the DRNC event there were two bombings that occurred and caused for a number of fatalities. It was Major Susan Barker who was in charge of leading the investigation of the two-crime scene. There was a number of individuals that were involved in aiding to the victims and the crime scene to ensure the suspects were found. It is imperative for everyone to work together to preserve every piece of evidence and locate them all. There are many forensic capabilities that are in the hands of Major Susan Barker. It is important for the first responders to ensure that there are no secondary bombs or hazards to any of the responding personnel or victims. Furthermore, the agencies need to work together to piece together all the evidence to find the suspects and save as many victims as possible.

8 References A Simplified Guide to Explosives Analysis. (n.d.). Explosives Analysis . Retrieved from https://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/explosives/how.html Hart, S. (n.d.). Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for Human Forensic Identification . National Institute of Justice. Retrieved from https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/199758.pdf News & Terrorism . (n.d.). IED Attack Improvised Explosive Devices . Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/prep_ied_fact_sheet.pdf Reno, J., Marcus, D., Leary, M. L., & Samuels, J. (n.d.). Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation . U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/181869.pdf Wiersema, J. M., & Woody, A. (2016). The forensic anthropologist in the mass fatality context. Academic Forensic Pathology , 6 (3), 455–462. https://doi.org/10.23907/2016.046

KortneySchaum WE8

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