RCMP Fact Sheets

Explosives Disposal and Technology Section

QUICK FACTS • EDTS has a history of developing state-of-the-art, protective bomb disposal suits. The latest version, the EOD 8 (Explosive Ordinance Disposal), is used by law enforcement agencies around the world. • Working with a private sector partner, EDTS has helped develop a portable burn unit that allows for the safe and effective disposal of unauthorized ammunition, which has been turned over to law enforcement agencies. A two-stage burn chamber disposes of the ammunition and the noxious gases.

Overview
The Explosives Disposal and Technology Section (EDTS) of the RCMP’s Technical Investigation Services Branch develops, maintains and provides expertise and a response to counter criminal or terrorist acts, particularly those involving the use of explosives. The EDTS is comprised of four units: the Canadian Bomb Data Centre, the Special Support Unit, the Operational Response Unit, and the Public Security and Anti-Terrorism/Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Training Unit.

Canadian Bomb Data Centre
The Canadian Bomb Data Centre (CBDC) is the Ottawa-based national repository for data relating to the criminal use of explosives. The CBDC is responsible for holding information in computer banks and shelf files concerning the components and use of real or hoax improvised explosive and incendiary (inflammatory) devices (IEDs), thefts and recoveries of explosives, and suspects in reported explosives incidents.

The CBDC employees are also responsible for liaison, information services and research, and development in the field of the criminal use of explosives.

Special Support Unit
The Special Support Unit is responsible for providing assistance to police forces and government agencies in the area of explosives detection. In particular, this service is provided during major events and when protecting the Prime Minister and/or Very Important Persons (VIPs) visiting from abroad.

In addition, the Special Support Unit supports the Canadian law enforcement community and government departments by providing the following services: testing and evaluation of explosives detection equipment; advising on how to train dogs to detect explosives; advising on courses related to explosives search or detection; and compiling and retaining instructional packages on the safe disposal of explosives.

Operational Response Unit
The Operational Response Unit provides 24/7 operational response to explosives-related incidents or crisis situations, and has radiological capabilities, which can support other explosives technicians, crime units, Customs and Excise investigators, and other Canadian police departments.

In addition, the Operational Response Unit works in partnership with the Department of National Defence (DND) to ensure the Government of Canada has the capability to counter the use of improvised nuclear, biological and chemical devices, and to prevent the remote activation of incendiary (inflammatory) devices, and the communications between criminals or terrorists during a crisis situation. The unit also possesses some critical tools such as an underwater reconnaissance and explosives recovery and disposal capability, a tactical use of explosives and forced entry capability, and specialized technical assistance on electronics, mechanical and chemical considerations for forensic examination.

Public Security and Anti-Terrorism/Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Training Unit
The Public Security and Anti-Terrorism/Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Training Unit is a six-person unit made up of three experienced bomb technicians, one forensic expert, one logistics specialist and one administrator. This team is responsible for developing and delivering CBRN training to bomb technicians and forensic personnel from various police agencies. Community teams comprised of paramedics, and Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) and medical specialists, also receive this specialized training. The unit also works with several government partners and agencies including Public Safety Canada, Defense Research and Development Canada, Health Canada, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Innovative tools and technology
The EDTS has a history of developing state-of-the-art protective bomb disposal suits. The latest version, the EOD 8 (Explosive Ordinance Disposal), is used by law enforcement agencies all around the world.

Manufactured by Med-Eng Systems Inc. of Ottawa under a licensing agreement, the suit is continuously upgraded to provide maximum protection, visibility and mobility. Med-Eng also produces a lighter version of the suit, the SRS 5.

The EDTS has developed a system, also produced commercially under licence, to contain and render harmless devices designed to release chemical and biological agents. The system consists of a tent that is placed over the device to contain the explosion. When the device is exposed or triggered, the tent contains the explosion and neutralizes the agent with a decontamination foam.

Innovation in explosives disposal and technology is critical in today’s world and for the RCMP’s Explosives Disposal and Technology Section, the development of better technologies never ends.