The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, sometimes refered to as the "Bomb Squad", has been an intergal part of the Kingsport Police Department since 1992. The E.O.D. Unit responded to 22 calls in 2007 and safely disposed of explosive devices and products that ranged from old/unsafe pistol and rifle ammunition to old dynamite, home-made bombs, and military ordnance, as well as fake or suspicious objects. The E.O.D Unit has assisted other jurisdictions and provided service at the Bristol Motor Speedway during the spring and fall races. A "Bomb" robot was obtained for use by the unit through a Homeland Security grant ($156,000) under city/county EMA cooperatives.
The KPD has two bomb technicians. Along with the two in the Johnson City PD, these are the only trained technicians east of Knoxville. These officers attended a Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama for required certification by the United States government. The school is taught by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Army.
Technicians are also required to complete a refresher course every
three years, and to complete 16 hours of practical exercises and
other training each month.
Bomb technicians are responsible for the safe removal, transport and storage of explosives. They conduct bomb scene investigations, collect and preserve evidence, provide technical support for special operations, and compile and report technical data on explosive devices and incidents.
A few of the special items the KPD technicians have for working with suspected explosives include: a 30 lb. investigation suit, a $10,000, 100 lb. bomb suit, a $4500 portable x-ray machine, two disrupters (special water cannons that can be used to tear apart suspect items faster that electricity can travel), a E.O.D. van to transport these and other tools to suspect sites, and a special 10,000 lb. bomb trailer to remove suspected items away from populated areas.
Regular Patrol Officers respond and investigate bomb threats or reports. The E.O.D. technicians are called in when actual suspicious packages or items are found.
E.O.D. CALLS
2007 . . . . . . 22 2006 . . . . . . 23 2005 . . . . . . 14 2004 . . . . . . 34 2003 . . . . . . 32 2002 . . . . . . 59 2001 . . . . . . 53 2000 . . . . . . 26 1999 . . . . . . 27 1998 . . . . . . 16 1997 . . . . . . 17 1996 . . . . . . 7 1995 . . . . . . 3 (suspected or actual items investigated)