How to React In the Case of a Suicide Bomber

© 2004-2007 Carole Moore

Suicide bombers are law enforcement's nightmare -- people so deranged they consider it reasonable to die for a cause and take innocent lives in the process. The Israelis have dealt with suicide bombers for years -- and they've learned a few things about this particularly odious form of terrorism. Here are a few tips from the experts:

• Don't be discouraged from doing the things you want to do because of the off-chance a fanatic could target that place or event. Part of a terrorist's goal is to disrupt daily life and erode our confidence.
• Although you probably can't predict or stop a bombing, you can take precautions. Suicide bombers capitalize on situations where large amounts of people are present, like concerts and sporting events. When entering or exiting a building or event, hang back from the main crowd or arrive early. Enter and exit only when traffic is at an ebb.
• Position yourself away from large expanses of glass or other items that could become projectiles in the case of a bomb blast.
• While it's a good thing to have a solid object, such as a wall, between you and a detonation, it's not helpful to stand within a few feet of walls. Why? Because the percussion from a bomb detonation generates a shock wave that travels along walls, and that helps guide more projectiles in your direction.

Chances are, you'll never need this advice. But police know it's best to always be prepared, no matter how remote the threat.

Now, you know what cops know.

Carole Moore worked the streets as a patrol officer, evidence technician and criminal investigator for 12 years. She left law enforcement in 1995 to become a full-time writer. She writes for numerous publications geared toward professional law enforcement officers.