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For questions regarding Bomb Unit call: (813) 276-
Questions regarding public
demonstrations call:
(813) 276-3325
For questions regarding explosives detection canines call:
(813) 276-3717
If you have any further questions regarding our unit, please call:
(813) 276-3743
Q.  When does the Bomb Squad respond to a call?
A.  The Bomb Squad is notified and responds whenever a suspected explosive device is found.
Q.  How many officers make up the Bomb Squad?
A.  The Bomb Squad has  12 Certified Bomb Officers.
Q.  How many calls per year does the Bomb Squad handle?
A.  The Bomb Squad has responded to over 200 bomb related calls for service per year for the past five years.  Of those 1000 calls, approximately ten percent actually involved live devices that had to be rendered safe, live devices that have already functioned, live military ordnance, or other illegal explosive devices.
Q.  When was the Bomb Squad created?
A.  The Bomb Squad was formed in 1971.
Q.  How many explosives detection K-9's does the Bomb Squad have?
A.  The Bomb Squad has 4 bomb dogs. 
There are different signs that a person can look for which might indicate a possible explosive device.

 Foreign mail, airmail and special delivery
 Restrictive markings such as confidential, personal, etc.
 Excessive postage
 Hand written or poorly typed addresses
 Incorrect titles
 Titles but no names
 Misspellings of common words
 Oily stains or discoloration
 No return address
 Excessive weight
 Rigid envelope
 Lopsided or uneven envelope
 Protruding wires or tinfoil
 Excessive securing material such as masking tape, string, etc.
 Visual distractions

Q.  What should I do when I receive a possible bomb through the mail?
A.  Bombs can be detonated by a variety of methods including the slightest touch.  Therefore, if any suspicious object is located, THE DEVICE SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED OR DISTURBED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  Immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor's house or a business.  Only conventional telephones should be used, because cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb.
Q.  What should I do when I receive a bomb threat over the telephone?
A.  Bomb threats represent a serious and deadly situation that can quickly turn tragic. The destructive potential of even a small device must be taken seriously. Any citizen that receives a bomb threat over the phone should immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor's house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used, because cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb.
Q.  What should I say to a caller if he warns of a bomb at my location?
A.  When a bomb threat is called in to you, attempt to keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask him to repeat the message and be sure to record every word spoken. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, you should ask him for this information. As you attempt to keep the caller on the line, listen for any particular background noises such as motors running, background music, and other noise, which may give a clue as to the location of the caller. As you are gathering information about the caller write down as much information as possible.  When the police arrive at your location, be prepared to give an accurate description of the caller's voice.  As the caller speaks, listen closely to the voice quality, for any regional accents, and for any speech impediments.
Q.  What should I do if I find a possible bomb or explosive device?
A.  If any suspicious object is located, THE DEVICE SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED OR DISTURBED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. Immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor's house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used as cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb.
Q.  Are fireworks considered explosive devices?
A.  Fireworks are considered explosive devices and they can be extremely dangerous. Every year numerous children and adults are injured or burned as a result of playing with fireworks. Fireworks are illegal within the City of Tampa.