The science and craft of conducting investigations after an explosion has gone off.
By: Shavina Sri
To the untrained eye, the aftermath of a blast incident comprises fragments, debris, disorder. But to seasoned officers, the incident scene can yield vital clues.
Post-blast Investigations (PBI) involve a multi-faceted response to blast incidents. Through the meticulous recovery and analysis of forensic evidence, crucial investigative leads can be generated, enabling offenders to be swiftly identified.
Among the veteran officers in this highly specialised field is Mr Winson Chew, a Bomb Technical and Investigation Specialist with the Forensics Division, Criminal Investigation Department. He shares what it takes to conduct PBI!
How did you get started in the field of PBI?
My journey began when I served in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) as a combat engineer. I started off as a trainee and was eventually appointed a Team Commander in explosive ordnance disposal.
What began as a professional interest in the mechanics of explosives evolved into a fascination with the broader implications of their use. After leaving the SAF, I joined the blasting industry where I was actively involved in explosives-related work. Throughout my professional career, I’ve also responded to numerous cases of war relic bomb disposals, bomb threat incidents and preventive security sweeps.
I see PBI as a critical component in the fight against crime, providing a means to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent future incidents. This led me to join the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) as a forward-deployed Bomb Technical and Investigation Specialist with the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
What skills must PBI officers have?
Besides post-blast scene management skills, PBI officers need a fundamental knowledge of explosives and their components. We must also demonstrate resilience to work in demanding situations, such as different terrain and weather conditions.
Tell us about what you did at Exercise Solar Wind VI, the joint PBI exercise between the SPF and the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) that was held in November 2024.
As the Assistant Conducting Officer for the Exercise, I guided participants in how to process and manage incident scenes. I was also responsible for designing realistic incident scenes that simulated authentic explosion environments, to maximise our learning opportunities while strictly adhering to safety protocols.
Our collaboration with the RBPF lends a valuable international dimension to our training. This partnership is now in its sixth iteration and brings diverse viewpoints, raising the Exercise’s complexity and realism. Both Forces were able to benchmark our capabilities against each other, identifying areas for improvement and sharing best practices.
What kind of training is needed to conduct PBI?
I’ve always maintained a self-directed approach to keep myself abreast of global trends in this field. In the course of my work, I’ve also participated in international workshops and collaborations. By engaging with global experts and law enforcement agencies, we can enhance our technical knowledge.
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