U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Press Release

June 10, 2006

FBI AND ILLINOIS BOMB SQUADS JOINING FORCES

The FBI has formed a partnership with several law enforcement agencies within Central and Southern Illinois to enhance the multi-jurisdictional response capability of Illinois Bomb Squads. As society becomes more global, the threats facing our communities are less restricted by jurisdictional boundaries. Law enforcement must be proactive in enhancing our ability to counter those threats.

In an effort to enhance public safety and our ability to respond to threats posed by improvised explosive devices, and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the FBI is joining forces with bomb squads in Central and Southern Illinois, including:

FBI, Springfield Division;
Carbondale Police/Southern Illinois University Bomb Squad;
Champaign Police /University of Illinois Bomb Squad;
Illinois Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad;
Peoria Police Bomb Squad;
Quad Cities Bomb Squad;

By sharing resources, expertise, and training opportunities, law enforcement in Central and Southern Illinois will be better equipped to respond efficiently to WMD threats.

Because the FBI has primary jurisdiction over terrorism investigations, the FBI may have a need to request assistance from local and state agencies who maintain an active bomb squad. Such assistance may necessitate travel outside traditional jurisdictional boundaries. Therefore, local and state officers who are certified as bomb technicians through the FBI Hazardous Devices School, assigned to one of the above Illinois Bomb Squads, will receive federal deputization authority. This deputization will allow these bomb technicians to respond to a call for assistance from the FBI, regarding investigations falling under FBI jurisdiction.

On Wednesday, 07/12/2006, at 2:00 p.m., certified bomb technicians from the Carbondale Police Department and the Southern Illinois University Police Department will be sworn in by the United States Marshal, at the U.S. Marshal's Office, 301 West Main, Benton, IL.

There will be a press availability after the swearing in ceremony at the U.S. Marshal's Office.

Contact:
Marshall Stone
Supervisory Special Agent/Media Coordinator
FBI, Springfield
(217)522-9675