Danger! Illegal “M-Device” Explosives Injure, Kill, and Threaten Our Neighborhoods

ATF Urges Pennsylvanians To Not Use or Buy Them and To Report Their Manufacture and Sale

PHILADELPHIA – With Independence Day approaching, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division warns Pennsylvanians of the dangers of illegal explosive devices and encourages the public to report their manufacture and sales to protect their community.

“Illegal explosives are extremely volatile and dangerous,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “You put yourself and anyone around at risk of injury or death by just handling them because they can explode on their own.”

“Their manufacture, storage and handling can lead to deadly explosions and fire,” DeGree added. “When you buy them, you’re supporting dangerous criminal activity.”

These dangerous devices, sometimes called M-80s, M-100, M-250, etc., are a particular concern in Pennsylvania, which accounted for more than 15% of all ATF illegal explosive device investigations nation-wide since 2020.

To tackle the problem ATF Philadelphia works with state and local fire and police agencies as well as federal law enforcement agencies like the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to prevent manufacture and sales of illegal explosive devices, and to hold perpetrators accountable.

“Too many people have suffered life altering or deadly explosions because of these dangerous explosives,” said Tim Brooks, a Certified Explosive Specialist Bomb Technician from the Philadelphia Police Department Bomb Disposal Unit assigned to the ATF Philadelphia Arson and Explosives Task Force. He is all too familiar with the danger posed by these devices, whose misuse can be deadly. “These devices are manufactured without safety oversight or quality control. The fillers inside occasionally contain small rocks that when bumped together can cause the slightest spark and set these off!”

As part of its core mission, ATF actively regulates and investigates the illegal use of explosives. Under federal explosives law, it is illegal to manufacture, store, distribute, receive or transport explosive materials without a federal explosives license or permit. Violations are punishable with up to 10 years in federal prison.

It is important to distinguish illegal explosives from regular consumer fireworks. Here are some signs that a device may be an illegal explosive device:

• They are sold in a non-commercial location, such as out of a vehicle or residence.
• The person with the device has no evidence of a receipt or commercial packaging, or they cannot tell you where they originally purchased it.
• The device is often 1-6 inches long and up to an inch or more in diameter.
• The casing resembles a roll of coins with a fuse. Some outer shells are made of cardboard tubes.
• The outer covering is red, silver or brown in color.
• The device looks oddly shaped and wrapped in brown paper that may be filled with an explosive material.

These devices should not be handled if you have or find one. Anyone with such explosives (or items they think may be explosives) should act with extreme care and contact their police or fire departments for guidance. Either call the ATF tip line below or 911 to turn it over. The authorities will coordinate for proper safe handling and disposal.

To protect yourself and your community, ATF urges the public to report manufacturing or sales to your local police or ATF tip line at 888-ATF-TIPS (283-8477), ATFTips@atf.gov, www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips, or via the ReportIt® app.

“I wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day,” said DeGree.

For further information on illegal explosives, visit ATF’s Illegal Explosives page.

Who’s at Fault When There’s No Driver? Law Enforcement and the Rise of Autonomous Vehicles

What happens when a police officer needs to stop a car for a traffic violation—only to discover there’s no driver? And if a crash occurs, but the automated driving system (ADS) was in control, who is responsible?

These aren’t hypothetical questions anymore. According to the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA), driverless ride-hail cars and delivery trucks have already logged more than 44 million miles on U.S. public roads as of early 2025. For law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), and fire/rescue personnel, that reality poses both opportunities and serious challenges.

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A Federal Partnership for First Responder Safety

To get ahead of these issues, the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) partnered with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI). Together, they released Safety Considerations for Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Deployment, a white paper that provides guidance for safe, effective interactions between first responders and autonomous vehicles.

Backed by surveys of 378 law enforcement and first responder personnel, plus focus groups and subject-matter expert interviews, the report outlines best practices for handling situations involving partially or fully autonomous vehicles.

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Three Types of Interactions with Driverless Cars

The white paper highlights three main categories of interactions:

• Direct interactions – such as physically accessing the interior of a vehicle to reach a victim.

• Indirect interactions – hand signals, sirens, or emergency lights to direct traffic.

• Informational interactions – exchanging documents like registration or ownership information.

For each, the report provides scenarios and key takeaways, while stressing that responders must be able to:

1. Identify an ADS-dedicated vehicle quickly.

2. Signal it to stop and keep it stationary.

3. Access ownership/registration information—even without a driver.

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Concerns from the Field

First responders voiced concerns about whether autonomous vehicles can:

• Recognize an officer standing in the roadway.

• Respond correctly to traffic direction.

• Safely handle crash scenes, given risks like high-voltage batteries and complex wiring.

Some officers suggested that future traffic direction may require standardized motions and equipment recognizable to ADS technology. Others raised the critical issue of liability—whether a crash stems from human error or vehicle error.

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Training and Governance Recommendations

The white paper recommends expanding training for law enforcement and first responders so they can recognize and safely handle autonomous vehicles in emergencies. It also calls for collaboration between industry and law enforcement to:

• Develop safety standards and operational guidelines.

• Clarify liability and crash reporting protocols.

• Ensure governance keeps pace with rapid technological deployment.

With driverless vehicles expected to reduce human-error crashes, provide mobility options for seniors and disabled populations, and support DUI reduction, the stakes for getting this right are high.

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Read the Full White Paper

The complete white paper, Safety Considerations for Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Deployment, includes detailed scenarios, a resource list of more than 90 related research documents, and actionable recommendations for agencies nationwide.

👉 Read the full document here

Detecting Threats: The Advancements and Impact of Weapons Detection Systems

Weapons detection systems play a crucial role in law enforcement, aiding authorities in identifying and intercepting potentially dangerous items in various settings. These systems encompass a range of technologies designed to detect firearms, explosives, knives, and other weapons that pose a threat to public safety. The use of weapons detection systems has become increasingly prevalent in response to rising concerns about mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and other forms of violence in public spaces.

One of the primary functions of weapons detection systems is to enhance security measures at key locations such as airports, train stations, government buildings, sports stadiums, and schools. These systems employ various technologies, including metal detectors, X-ray scanners, millimeter-wave imaging, and chemical detection sensors, to screen individuals and their belongings for prohibited items. By quickly identifying weapons and explosives, these systems enable law enforcement officers to intervene before potential threats escalate, thereby preventing harm to civilians and property.

Metal detectors are among the most widely used weapons detection technologies and are commonly deployed in high-traffic areas where large numbers of people gather. These devices emit electromagnetic fields that interact with metal objects, producing an audible alert or visual indication when a weapon is detected. Metal detectors are particularly effective at identifying firearms, knives, and other metallic objects concealed on a person's body or in bags and luggage.

In addition to metal detectors, X-ray scanners are employed to inspect the contents of bags, backpacks, and parcels for concealed weapons and explosives. These scanners use penetrating radiation to create detailed images of objects within containers, allowing security personnel to identify suspicious items that may pose a threat. Advanced X-ray imaging systems can detect a wide range of materials, including organic substances, plastics, and ceramics, making them highly versatile tools for weapons detection.

Millimeter-wave imaging technology is another key component of weapons detection systems, especially in settings where privacy concerns limit the use of traditional metal detectors and X-ray scanners. Millimeter-wave scanners emit low-power radio waves that penetrate clothing and produce three-dimensional images of a person's body, revealing hidden objects such as firearms and explosive devices. By providing a non-invasive method of screening individuals for weapons, millimeter-wave imaging systems offer an effective solution for maintaining security without compromising personal privacy.

Chemical detection sensors are used in conjunction with other weapons detection technologies to identify hazardous substances that may be used in explosive devices or chemical attacks. These sensors are capable of detecting trace amounts of explosives, toxic chemicals, and other dangerous materials, alerting authorities to the presence of potential threats. By incorporating chemical detection capabilities into existing security systems, law enforcement agencies can enhance their ability to detect and deter acts of terrorism and other malicious activities.

The development and deployment of weapons detection systems have been driven by advancements in technology and ongoing efforts to improve public safety and security. As threats evolve and new challenges emerge, law enforcement agencies continue to invest in innovative solutions to enhance their capabilities for detecting and mitigating potential risks. By leveraging a combination of detection technologies and strategic security measures, authorities can effectively safeguard public spaces and respond swiftly to emerging threats, thereby minimizing the impact of violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.

The Dual Edge of Technology: Cellular Phones in Crimes and Investigations

In today's digital age, cellular phones have become an inseparable part of our lives. They have transformed the way we communicate, gather information, and conduct business. However, with the widespread adoption of smartphones, a new avenue for both committing crimes and aiding criminal investigations has emerged. This article delves into the dual role of cellular phones in modern society - how they are exploited by criminals and harnessed by law enforcement in their pursuit of justice.

The Dark Side: Criminal Activities Enabled by Cellular Phones

The rise of cellular phones has unfortunately brought about new opportunities for criminals to exploit technology for nefarious purposes. These devices can facilitate various criminal activities, ranging from cybercrime to personal safety threats. Here are a few ways cellular phones have been implicated in criminal endeavors:

Cybercrime and Fraud:
The proliferation of smartphones has paved the way for various forms of cybercrime. Phishing scams, identity theft, and financial fraud are just a few examples of how criminals can use cellular phones to exploit unsuspecting victims. The anonymity offered by these devices, coupled with their connectivity to the internet, makes them a tool of choice for criminals seeking to conduct illegal activities online.

Harassment and Cyberbullying:
Cellular phones provide bullies and harassers with a direct line of communication to their victims. The anonymity of digital interactions can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behavior, such as sending threatening messages or sharing explicit content. The prevalence of these actions has led to growing concerns about cyberbullying and its impact on mental health.

Location Tracking and Stalking:
The built-in GPS capabilities of smartphones allow individuals to be easily tracked. This has given rise to cases of stalking, where perpetrators exploit location data to monitor and intimidate their victims. Personal information shared on social media platforms can also be misused by criminals to plan crimes, such as burglaries when homeowners are away.

The Light Side: Cellular Phones as Crime-Fighting Tools

While cellular phones have contributed to criminal activities, they have also become indispensable tools for law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety. Mobile technology offers a range of benefits for criminal investigations:

Digital Evidence Collection:
Cellular phones are treasure troves of digital evidence. Text messages, call logs, photos, videos, and application usage can provide crucial insights into criminal activities and relationships. Law enforcement can use this information to establish timelines, connections, and motives, aiding in the resolution of cases.

Geolocation Data:
Just as criminals can exploit geolocation features, law enforcement can leverage this information to track the movements of suspects and victims. Geolocation data obtained from cellular phones can help recreate the movements of individuals and establish their presence at the scene of a crime.

Social Media and Online Activity:
Cellular phones provide a gateway to an individual's online presence. Law enforcement can monitor suspects' social media profiles, browsing history, and online communications to identify potential threats and gather evidence related to criminal activities.

Emergency Alerts and Public Safety:
Cellular phones have proven invaluable in disseminating emergency alerts to the public during natural disasters, terrorist threats, and other critical situations. These alerts can help ensure the safety of communities by providing real-time information and guidance.

Balancing the Scales

The proliferation of cellular phones has brought both benefits and challenges to modern society. While these devices can be used for criminal activities, they also offer a wealth of information that law enforcement agencies can use to prevent and solve crimes. Striking a balance between individual privacy and public safety remains a challenge, as does staying ahead of tech-savvy criminals who adapt to changing technological landscapes.

In the end, the role of cellular phones in criminal activities and investigations underscores the need for continuous innovation in law enforcement strategies, digital security, and ethical considerations. As technology evolves, society must collectively address the dual-edged sword that is cellular phone technology and ensure its responsible use for the greater good.

Taking Law Enforcement to New Heights: The Evolution and Impact of Police Helicopters

Police helicopters play a vital role in law enforcement, providing aerial support to ground units in various operations. These versatile aircraft have become an integral part of modern police forces, offering a range of capabilities that enhance public safety and improve overall law enforcement effectiveness. This article explores the purpose, history, development, and current deployment of police helicopters.

Purpose of Police Helicopters

The primary purpose of police helicopters is to support ground units in law enforcement activities. They offer a unique advantage by providing a bird's-eye view of a situation, allowing officers to monitor and respond to incidents from above. Police helicopters are deployed for various tasks, including:

1. Surveillance: Helicopters provide an aerial vantage point for monitoring criminal activity, tracking suspects, and gathering critical intelligence during investigations.

2. Search and Rescue: Helicopters aid in locating missing persons, conducting search operations in difficult terrains, and assisting with disaster response, such as natural disasters or accidents.

3. Traffic Management: Police helicopters assist in traffic control and monitoring congested areas, helping to detect and respond to traffic violations, accidents, and emergencies more efficiently.

4. Pursuits and Apprehensions: Helicopters are crucial in high-speed pursuits, providing valuable assistance to ground units by tracking fleeing suspects and coordinating their capture.

5. Public Safety: Helicopters support public safety initiatives, including crowd control during large events, monitoring public gatherings, and providing air support during major incidents.

History and Development

The use of helicopters in law enforcement traces back to the 1940s when the first police aviation units were established in the United States. These early units recognized the advantages of helicopters in search and rescue operations. Over time, as technology advanced, police helicopters became more capable and were equipped with advanced surveillance systems, thermal imaging cameras, and other specialized equipment.

The 1970s marked a significant development in police helicopter operations. The introduction of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) allowed for night-time operations, enhancing law enforcement capabilities in low-light conditions. The integration of NVGs expanded the scope of police helicopter activities, enabling effective surveillance and apprehension of criminals during nighttime operations.

Current Deployment

Today, police helicopters are deployed by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Major cities often have dedicated aviation units equipped with helicopters specifically designed for police operations. These helicopters are typically modified versions of civilian models, customized to meet the unique requirements of law enforcement.

Modern police helicopters are equipped with advanced technology and equipment, including high-definition cameras, thermal imaging systems, powerful searchlights, and communication systems. These features enable law enforcement to gather real-time intelligence, conduct aerial searches, and coordinate with ground units effectively.

Police helicopter units work closely with ground personnel, forming a crucial part of multi-agency response efforts. They provide aerial support during high-risk operations, offer rapid deployment capabilities, and enhance situational awareness for ground units.

In recent years, the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) has also gained popularity in law enforcement. Drones offer a cost-effective and agile aerial platform for police departments, providing additional flexibility in surveillance, search and rescue, and incident response.

Conclusion

Police helicopters have become indispensable assets in law enforcement, playing a crucial role in crime prevention, public safety, and emergency response. The purposeful deployment of these aircraft allows law enforcement agencies to monitor, track, and respond to incidents effectively. With ongoing advancements in technology and the integration of unmanned systems, the capabilities of police helicopters continue to evolve, further enhancing their effectiveness in serving and protecting communities.

FBI Statement Regarding Suspicious Letters Sent to Public Officials

“The FBI is investigating a series of suspicious letters sent to a number of public officials. Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident and safely collect the letters. Laboratory testing is ongoing but at this time has not indicated a risk to public safety. Additional testing will be needed to fully identify the unknown substance in the letters.

Law enforcement and public safety officials are working to determine how many letters were sent, the individual or individuals responsible for the letters, and the motive behind the letters. As this is an ongoing matter, we will not be commenting further regarding our steps or methods, but the public can be assured that law enforcement will continue to keep the public's safety as its top priority.

The FBI would also like to remind everyone to exercise care in handling mail, especially from unrecognized senders. If you see something suspicious, please contact law enforcement immediately.”

Upcoming Webinar: Equity and Law Enforcement Data Collection, Use, and Transparency.

New Report on Equity and Law Enforcement Data Collection Launched

Date of Webinar: June 6th

Click here for Registration

Washington, D.C. - The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Bureau of Justice Statistics have jointly announced the release of a groundbreaking report titled "Equity and Law Enforcement Data Collection, Use, and Transparency." This report, mandated by President Biden's Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices, aims to foster fair and transparent practices within the criminal justice system.

The report was developed by the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Criminal Justice Statistics Interagency Working Group, comprising representatives from various government bodies. It examines data collection, use, and transparency surrounding law enforcement activities at state, tribal, local, and territorial agencies. Key datasets covered in the report include calls for service, searches, stops, frisks, seizures, arrests, complaints, law enforcement demographics, and civil asset forfeiture.

To provide the public with an overview of the report's findings, a webinar will be held, marking the first public briefing on the topic. The webinar will feature Denice Ross and Dr. Alex Piquero, co-chairs of the working group, who will discuss the report's insights and offer essential recommendations for state and local leaders, law enforcement officials, researchers, and others involved in the police data ecosystem.

The webinar is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for engagement and understanding of the report's significance in shaping equitable and accountable law enforcement practices. It serves as a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to enhance public trust and public safety within the criminal justice system.

As the nation strives for a more just and transparent criminal justice system, this report serves as a significant milestone in promoting equity, accountability, and fairness for all.

Fugitive with Multiple Warrants Arrested by Task Force in Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro, NC – On Sept. 08, 2015, at approximately 11:30 am, Joshua Lamonte Roberts Jr., 22, was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force (JFTF). On August 21, 2015, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety requested assistance from the JFTF in the apprehension of Roberts. Roberts was wanted by the state of North Carolina for assault by strangulation, felony probation violation and breaking and entering with the intent to injure an occupant.

On August 31, 2014, it is alleged that Roberts attacked his ex-girlfriend by strangling, punching and hitting her in the presence of her one year old daughter. On May 12, 2015, Roberts once again allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend by breaking into her house and hitting her with a closed fist to the face as well as stomping on her with his foot.

The JFTF spent countless hours conducting surveillance and interviews attempting to locate Roberts. Their efforts paid off when Investigators obtained valuable information on the alleged fugitive’s whereabouts. The JFTF verified the information when Roberts was positively identified standing outside a residence on the 100 block of Brown Street in Thomasville. Roberts immediately took off in a frantic sprint once he made visual contact with the officers. During the foot pursuit a handgun fell from Roberts’ waistline. Roberts was taken into custody in a small wooded area after a short foot chase.

Pursuant to arrest, Roberts was additionally charged with resisting a public officer and possession of a firearm by felon. He was transported to the Guilford County Jail where he is being held without bond.

The U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force for the Middle District of North Carolina is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Chapel Hill Police Department, Durham Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, Winston-Salem Police Department, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Department of Community Corrections – Probation & Parole.

JUSTNET Adds Resources for Houses of Worship

Reports of mass shootings and other threats to public safety monopolize the headlines. Houses of worship have been targeted along with malls, military recruitment centers, schools, theaters and other gathering places. If you're looking for resources to help houses of worship in your community prepare to respond to, and mitigate the consequences of, an emergency situation, the JUSTNET website offers a new resource section that can help. And look for information on a new app under development by the National Institute of Justice that will help houses of worship evaluate facilities and create plans for preventing attacks and other catastrophic events. Visit https://www.justnet.org/Houses_of_Worship.html for resource information, and check back often for updates on app development and on new resources.