Overview
The Pima County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad is a facet of the Tactical Response Section tasked with various responsibilities. The unit is comprised of six Bomb Technicians facilitated by two Explosive Detection Canines. All squad members complete 520 hours of mandatory training to include the FBI/US Army Hazardous Devices School and also attend ongoing monthly training.
The Bomb Squad responds to requests to identify, remove, render safe, and/or the disposaol of explosive devices, incendiary devices, explosives, energetic chemicals, pyrotechnics, ammunition and CBNRE events. Requests for mutual aid to outside agencies as defined by mutual aid agreements with law enforcement, fire departments, or federal agencies are also supported by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad. They work with federal and state agencies to support dignitary protection details, providing protective sweeps and package screening during dignitary visits.
The Bomb Squad is an investigative unit and conducts explosive incident investigations and provides technical support to Department sections such as the Pima Regional SWAT Team and the Criminal Investigations Division.
The Bomb Squad deploys various tactical tools to include a Robotic Weapons platform: the F6A Andros, Pacbot 510, Vanguard Mk2, cutting edge x-ray technology, explosives tools, and other equipment. These tools are housed in the Bomb Squad Emergency Response Vehicle. Squad members drive 4-wheel-drive trucks which are outfitted as quick-response vehicles.
Training for Department personnel and other requesting agencies and political subdivisions within Pima County is also provided for by Bomb Squad members. The Bomb Squad supports public relations activities, providing educational displays for requesting groups. Additional duties include firework inspections and the processing of Blaster's permit applications for Pima County.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad aims to maintain an effective liaison with investigators, technicians, and other personnel of federal, state and local agencies in Explosive Ordnance Disposal or Bomb Squad related matters. It works very closely with the FBI Tucson RA and the ATF Tucson Field Office.
The Pima squad is the primary response bomb squad for the towns of Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, South Tucson, Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation, the Tucson International Airport, and the Sasabe and Lukeville Ports of Entry along the U.S. / Mexico border.
Members of the Pima County Sheriff's Bomb Squad have received training from Israeli Police and Military instructors on explosive device and suicide bomber operation, prevention, and deterrence. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives also utilize Pima squad members as adjunct instructors for ATF courses presented to ttate, local, and federal bomb technicians.