Joining the Bomb Squad

From the Vault: POLICE Magazine featured the article, "Why I Joined the Bomb Squad," in its September 2008 issue and the topic is just as relevant today. Mexican drug cartels have used car bombs in Juarez, and San Diego deputies supervised the burning of a "bomb factory" house in December. Joining an agency's bomb squad is a career path most people, even cops, consider crazy. Det. Dave Scraggs explains his reason — the threat is prevalent. Photos courtesy of Det. Scraggs.

Staff Writer
March 22, 2011

From the Vault: POLICE Magazine featured the article, "Why I Joined the Bomb Squad," in its September 2008 issue and the topic is just as relevant today. Mexican drug cartels have used car bombs in Juarez, and San Diego deputies supervised the burning of a "bomb factory" house in December. Joining an agency's bomb squad is a career path most people, even cops, consider crazy. Det. Dave Scraggs explains his reason — the threat is prevalent. Photos courtesy of Det. Scraggs.

About the Author
Staff Writer
Editorial
View Bio
Recommended
Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?
Sponsored
Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?
Pol 07 17 2023 Hi Res Cover375x480
SPECIAL REPORT: Officer Health & Safety
Banner Final Le Webinar Email Header
Webinars
How Law Enforcement Can Afford Modern Tech with Limited Budget and Staff
Public Safety Webinar Promo Banner Ad 750x300 1643187536 Web En Na Final May9
Webinars
A Data-driven approach to police fleet maintenance
Related Stories
Police Combat Baton Vid 1
Training
Integrated Baton Training
The technique presented is simply known as the Standing Basic Search, which commences after the subject has placed his hands behind his head and spread his legs. You'll want to first position the body, limit the mobility, and control the hands.
Training
Safe Pat-Down Searches
Pol Kohndeath 1
Training
Virginia Chief On Hot Seat After Training Death
Don't wait until a suspect has his hands on your weapon to think about weapon retention. You should try not to let the suspect near your duty belt in the first place.
Training
Gun Grabs: 3 Techniques
More in Training
Training
Dave Smith: Be Prepared for the Ultimate Contest
You need to train like an elite athlete for the life-and-death challenge you may some day face on the job.
Dave Smith
Weapons
Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?
Safariland
The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.
Lifestyle Male Leo Patrol Night Shipping Containers Details Glock47 Saf Ballast Blk 001
Training
Coffee Break with Police Experts: Getting the Most Out of Your Training Resources
Retired law enforcement trainer and senior solutions engineer for Vector Solutions Doug Kazensky discusses how agencies can maximize the benefits of their training time and resources.
Maxresdefault 68389adfde631
Training
First Look: Adding AI to Simulator Training
The new artificial intelligence feature for MILO’s VR and Focus3D simulators gives trainees a chance to practice and refine their communications skills while working scenarios.
Officer working a scenario in MILO VR and the computer-generated character he is interacting with. The AR option for MILO VR makes such scenarios more realistic.
Webinars
A Data-driven approach to police fleet maintenance
Geotab
Learn how Geotab can help your police department move from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance, ultimately lowering costs, improving officer safety and maximizing the performance of your fleet.
Public Safety Webinar Promo Banner Ad 750x300 1643187536 Web En Na Final May9
Training
NYPD Building Quieter Training Range
The police department says the largely enclosed new facility will reduce the noise from the shooting range, also used by bomb squad trainees and Correction officers, which has been active since 1960.
Training
Editorial: Preventing Recruit Deaths
Training injuries and even training fatalities are far too common in law enforcement academies, and they need to be addressed.
Training
Massachusetts Police Academy Under Investigation
The academy, run by the state, provides basic training to new police officers in Massachusetts and became the subject of an investigation on Feb. 26.
Training
U.S. Capitol Police Recruit Killed in Georgia Traffic Accident
Five other recruit officers who were also in the car were injured, and the crash happened while the recruits were off duty during their time at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Training
San Antonio Officer Fatally Wounded by Accidental Discharge
Officer William Kasberg was preparing to enter a state-mandated ALERRT training inside a vacant school and was gathering his items when his weapon accidentally went off, striking him.
Training
Colorado Voters Approve $350 Million for Police Pay, Benefits, Training
The $350 million will go toward local law enforcement pay, bonuses, education and training of peace officers.
Point of Law
Boise Sergeant Settles with City for $850K Over Training Injury Allegedly Caused by Former Chief
In the lawsuit, Sgt. Kirk Rush, a member of the Boise Police Department’s K-9 Unit, alleged that in October 2021 then Chief Lee demonstrated a neck hold on him without consent during a training exercise, causing injures that later required surgery.
Page 1 of 215
Next Page