Explosive Ordnance Unit
The primary mission of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Unit (formerly known as the Bomb Squad) is to ensure the safety of it’s citizens, as well as, the safety of all personnel who may be first responders to an explosive-related incident. MCSO’s Explosive Ordnance Unit has been serving the people of Monterey County since 2005. Our Explosive Ordnance Unit is comprised of 6 highly trained bomb technicians and 2 explosive detection canines. The Explosive Ordnance Unit averages approximately 30 calls for service per year. They are responsible for the handling, transportation and rendering safe of all explosive items located within Monterey and San Benito Counties.
If a suspicious item is found, call 9-1-1 immediately to request assistance and clear the area. Do not attempt to move or open the suspected item under any circumstances.
History
Formed in 2005, the Explosive Ordnance Unit initially was comprised of four bomb technicians. In 2021, the team was expanded to six bomb technicians and two explosive detection canines. All Monterey County Bomb Technicians receiving formal explosives training at the FBI Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Army Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama and maintain their standard and training through the FBI and the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board (NBSCAB) criteria.
Training
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Unit maintains all training based on the NBSCAB requirements. The Explosive Ordnance Unit is continually striving to improve the quality of its contacts with the community, as well as with police and fire department personnel at the scene of an explosive related call. The Explosive Ordnance Unit is dedicated to enhancing public safety at the scene of any incident involving explosives. The Explosive Ordnance Unit has set specific goals designed to promote not only the safety of police personnel but of the public at large in dealing with explosive devices and bombings.
Calls For Service
Today, the Explosive Ordnance Unit has 6 part-time Bomb Technicians who complete their training as a collateral duty. The Bomb Technicians respond to all explosive-related incidents throughout our County and San Benito County. The Explosive Ordnance Unit maintains a team to respond to calls 24-hours a day. Each Bomb Technician responds to calls with essential equipment including the bomb suit, x-ray, bomb blanket and other special tools to include military issued items. This equipment is required to handle a variety of explosive-related incidents.
