Police Explosives Technicians Course & Radiography (PETC)

Purpose

To provide police officers with the necessary skills required to render safe explosives and improvised explosive devices.

Course content

After completing the Radiography Course, students commence this course which covers the theory, use of, and where applicable, demonstration with student exercises, relating to:

1. Basic explosive theory
2. Identification and safe handling of common commercial explosives
3. Basic knowledge of regulations governing explosives handling, transport and storage
4. Identification of common military demolition stores and material
5. Knowledge of demolition range rules
6. Rules and regulations governing explosives disposal
7. Initiation and utilization of explosive demolition charges: the non-electric method (i.e. fuse assembly and shock tube systems), and the electric method (electric detonators)
8. Disposal of military and commercial explosives by burning
9. Policy and regulations governing Explosives Ordnance Disposal Centres (Canadian Forces) and Explosives Disposal Units (Police)
10. Identification of triggering methods for improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
11. Construction of IEDs from inert stores
12. Hand dismantling of IEDs as part of an exercise
13. Basic knowledge of room, building, vehicle, and aircraft search techniques
14. Training on and use of the following explosives disposal unit equipment:
    1. Robotics, in particular the remote mobile investigator (RMI)
    2. Radiography (x-ray) theory and equipment - see Radiography Course in this Calendar
    3. Hook and line techniques (ropes/ hooks/nets)
    4. Water gun disruptors, in particular the Proparms Neutrex Systems
    5. Specialized explosive charges
    6. Bomb suit and bomb suit communications
    7. Vehicle opening kits
15. Perform render-safe procedures (RSP's) of IED incidents. This is a series of exercises (mock scenarios) to test the student's basic knowledge towards the end of the course
16. Basic knowledge of post blast scene investigations

Student selection criteria

Students must successfully complete the Radiography Course as a prerequisite.

Students must be police personnel who are required to perform the functions of police explosives technicians (PET). Course positions will be given to those departments with at least basic safety equipment on their inventory. Departments considering the establishment of an Explosives Disposal Unit/Bomb Squad will be considered for training, upon receipt of written notification to the Director, Canadian Police College, of their intent to: (i) purchase basic safety equipment after their personnel has successfully completed this course, and (ii) provide time for in-house training.

Departments should also be aware that Explosives Disposal Units normally consist of a minimum of two police explosives technicians. Two technicians are normally dispatched as a team to all IED incidents and operations involving the controlled use of explosives. PETs should be retained in the Explosive Disposal program for a minimum of 3 years.

Special student requirements

The following is a general list of guidelines to assist departments in student selection. A prospective student:

1. shows willingness to volunteer for PET duties
2. is recommended after being interviewed by an Explosives Disposal Unit coordinator
3. has a full understanding of police explosive technician duties
4. has five years experience in the department or experience in related explosives disposal duties
5. shows physical well being and freedom from mental anxieties
6. has the ability and confidence to formulate on-site plans at emergency situations where disorder and confusion may be occurring
7. is acquainted with activities requiring manual skills and dexterity (inclination towards technical matters can be an asset)

Duration of course

The program is divided as follows:

1. Five working days - Radiography (see Radiography Course description)
2. Twenty working days - PET Course containing:
   • Explosives theory/equipment phase
   • Practical exercises

Note:   As of 2004 schedule, the course duration will be 25 days.

Class size: twelve students

Language of instruction: English