TFPD BOMB TEAM RESPONDS TO SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE

Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU)

In 2000, the Twin Falls Police Department's Bomb Squad received national accreditation from the FBI Bomb Data Center upon meeting the requirements set forth by the National Bomb Squad Commander's Advisory Board.  The Twin Falls Police Department's Bomb Squad is one of four accredited bomb squads in the State of Idaho.  Staff Sergeant Dan Lewin leads the TFPD Hazardous Devices Unit.

Each Bomb Squad Member must become certified as a Hazardous Devices Technician by the United States Army and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This certification follows the successful completion of a five-week school held at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. In order to maintain their certification, each Member must complete monthly training, annual reviews, and complete the FBI Hazardous Devices recertification course every three years. Bomb Squad Members must also obtain certification as Hazardous Material Technicians.

The Bomb Squad is also tasked with the front-line response to any terrorist activity that might take place within the City of Twin Falls or surrounding communities. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security has placed this responsibility with the Squad and, to accomplish this task, has equipped the Squad with additional complex equipment, including the ability to interact with specialized experts in Washington, D.C. from any scene at any time.

The HDU's equipment includes explosives, x-ray systems, bomb suits, radiation monitors, gas monitors, rigging equipment, disruption tools, and a Hazardous Duty Robot.  Bomb Squad Members are trained in the use and application of this equipment. The Bomb Squad also provides community service displays and presentations.

In 2008, the Twin Falls Police Department Bomb Squad responded to, or assisted with, the below listed incidents/events.

Type of incident Number of incidents

Recovered Commercial Explosives                          9

Dangerous Chemical Response                                1

Pipe Bomb                                                                  4

Improvised Explosive Devices                                22

Suspicious Packages                                                  3

Fireworks Violation                                                    0

Recovered Military Ordinance                                 1

Reported Bomb Threats                                            1

Response to Bomb Threat by HDU                          0

Public Talks                                                                4