Bomb Squad

Bomb Squad

The Farmington Police Department Bomb Squad is a highly specialized team tasked with the safe detection, rendering, and disposal of explosive materials and hazardous devices. As the premier certified unit in the region, our team serves as a critical, life-saving resource for the entire Four Corners area.


Federal Certification & Team Structure

Precision and technical expertise are the foundations of this unit. The Bomb Squad is a collateral duty unit, composed of dedicated officers and detectives who serve in other full-time roles within the department until their specialized skills are required.


The unit is structured to ensure the highest level of operational safety:

  • HDS Certified Technicians: Our lead technicians are graduates of the FBI Hazardous Devices School (HDS) at Redstone Arsenal. This rigorous federal certification is the national gold standard for explosives handling and counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) tactics.
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  • Support Personnel: The unit also includes highly trained support members who assist the certified technicians with equipment deployment, perimeter safety, and technical logistics. These members often serve in these roles as they prepare for their own future HDS certification.

A 100-Mile Regional Mission

While the unit is housed within the Farmington Police Department, its mission extends far beyond our city limits. The FPD Bomb Squad serves as a regional asset, providing primary coverage and response for calls within a 100-mile radius of Farmington.


This mission requires our team to work in close coordination with local, state, tribal, and federal partners. Whether responding to a suspicious package, a cache of recovered commercial explosives, or a high-threat device, our team provides the specialized technical support necessary to protect the public across the entire region.


Training & Resources

Core Responsibilities

Because the Bomb Squad is an on-call unit, they are ready to transition from their daily duties to a high-stakes environment at a moment’s notice. Their responsibilities include:


  • IED Response: Identifying and rendering safe improvised explosive devices in high-pressure environments.
  • Suspicious Package Investigations: Utilizing specialized diagnostics to determine the safety of abandoned or suspicious items.
  • Explosives Disposal: Safely disposing of degraded commercial explosives (such as old dynamite), illegal fireworks, or recovered munitions.
  • Post-Blast Investigation: Working with arson investigators and federal agencies to process scenes and identify components following an incident.
  • Special Event Overwatch: Providing proactive sweeps and security for major public gatherings to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

Advanced Technology & Robotics

To minimize the risk to human life, the Bomb Squad utilizes some of the most advanced technology in law enforcement:


  • Tactical Robotics: Sophisticated remote-controlled robots equipped with multiple cameras and manipulators, allowing the team to inspect and disrupt devices from a safe distance.
  • Portable X-Ray Systems: Digital imaging technology that allows for a non-intrusive look inside suspicious items.
  • Ballistic Protection: State-of-the-art "bomb suits" designed to provide maximum protection for technicians when a manual approach is necessary.
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Safety is a Partnership

The Bomb Squad’s success depends on the vigilance of our community. If you encounter an item you believe to be an explosive or a suspicious device: Do not touch it. Do not move it. Call 911 immediately.