oklahoma city police department alfred pi murrah building bombing after action report table of ...

58 Pages·2003·6.49 MB·English

OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
ALFRED PI MURRAH BUILDING BOMBING
AFTER ACTION REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I
....................................................................................................................................................... C- 191
Executive Summary
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................................... C- 193
Damage .................................................................................................................................................................... C- 197
Injuries ..................................................................................................................................................................... C- 197
Manhours/Costs ...................................................................................................................................................... C- 197
Daily Staffing. .......................................................................................................................................................... C- 197
Resources ................................................................................................................................................................ C- 198
Mission and Functions of the Police Department ...................................................................................................... C- 198
Organizational Chart .............................................................................................................................................. C- 199
Police Divisions Map .............................................................................................................................................. C-200
Office of the Chief of Police ................................................................................................................................... C-20 1
Chief of Police .................................................................................................................................................. C-201
Public Information Office ................................................................................................................................ C-20 1
Office of Professional Standards .................................................................................................................... C-20 1
Special Projects ............................................................................................................................................... C-20 1
Criminal Intelligence and Gang Enforcement ............................................................................................... C-202
Police Chaplain ................................................................................................................................................ C-202
CHAPPS ............................................................................................................................................................ C-203
Effects on Routine Operations ....................................................................................................................... C-203
Administration Bureau ........................................................................................................................................... C-203
Planning and Research .................................................................................................................................... C-203
Staff Inspections .............................................................................................................................................. C-203
Fleet Management ........................................................................................................................................... C-204
Personnel Services ........................................................................................................................................... C-204
Budget Office ................................................................................................................................................... C-204
Effectso n Routine Operations ....................................................................................................................... C-204
Operations Bureau .................................................................................................................................................. C-205
Command Post Operations ............................................................................................................................ C-205
Emergency Response Team ............................................................................................................................ C-207
Inner Perimeter ................................................................................................................................................ C-207
Outer Perimeter ............................................................................................................................................... C-207
Traffic Perimeter ............................................................................................................................................... C- 208
Perimeter Changes .......................................................................................................................................... C-208
Divisional Personnel ....................................................................................................................................... C-208
Perimeter Map 4/19/95 .................................................................................................................................... C-209
Perimeter Map 4/20/95 .................................................................................................................................... C-2 10
Perimeter Map 4/24/95 .................................................................................................................................... C-2 1 1
Perimeter Map 4/25/95 .................................................................................................................................... C-2 12
Perimeter Map 5/5/95 ...................................................................................................................................... C-2 13
Command Post Locations .............................................................................................................................. C-2 14
Effectso n Routine Operations ....................................................................................................................... C-2 15
Investigations Bureau ............................................................................................................................................. C-2 15
Police Command Post Liaison ....................................................................................................................... C-2 16
FBI Command Post Liaison ............................................................................................................................ C-2 16
Scene Permits and Identification ................................................................................................................... C-2 16
Vehicle Identification and Evidence Teams ................................................................................................... C-2 17
Vehicle Releases .............................................................................................................................................. C-2 1 7
Press Conference Security .............................................................................................................................. C-2 17
Bomb Disposal Unit ........................................................................................................................................ C-2 18
Temporary Morgue Duty .................................................................................................................................. C-2 18
Technical Investigations .................................................................................................................................. C-2 18
Miscellaneous Assignments ........................................................................................................................... C-2 19
Effectso n Routine Operations ....................................................................................................................... C-2 19
Support Services Bureau ........................................................................................................................................ C-220
Solo Motorcycles ............................................................................................................................................. C-220
Parking Enforcement ....................................................................................................................................... C-220
K-9 ..................................................................................................................................................................... C-22 1
Mounted Patrol Unit ........................................................................................................................................ C-22 1
Property Management Unit ............................................................................................................................ C-22 1
Communications Unit (E-9-1 .1 ) ..................................................................................................................... C-222
Air Support Unit ............................................................................................................................................... C-223
Information Desk ............................................................................................................................................. C-224
Detention Unit ................................................................................................................................................. (2-225
Bomb Disposal Unit ........................................................................................................................................ C-225
Airport Unit ...................................................................................................................................................... C-226
Effects on Routine Operations ....................................................................................................................... C-226
Implosion ................................................................................................................................................................. C-226
Implosion Perimeter Map ............................................................................................................................... C-227
Working Relations with Other Agencies ...................................................................................................................... C-228
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office .......................................................................................................................... C-228
Oklahoma Highway Patrol ..................................................................................................................................... (2-229
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation .............................................................................................................. C-23 1
United States Marshal Service ............................................................................................................................... C-232
Fire Departments .................................................................................................................................................... C-233
Military ..................................................................................................................................................................... C-234
Utility Services ........................................................................................................................................................ C-234
Relief Organizations ............................................................................................................................................... C-234
Areas of Improvements .................................................................................................................................................. C-234
Command Structure ............................................................................................................................................... C-234
Command Post Operations ................................................................................................................................... C-235
-
Per son n e ]/Assi g n m en t s .......................................................................................................................................... C 2 3 5
Scene Security ......................................................................................................................................................... C-236
Communications ..................................................................................................................................................... C-2 36
News Media ............................................................................................................................................................. C-236
Temporary Morgue .................................................................................................................................................. C-237
Documentation ....................................................................................................................................................... C-237
Financial Unit .......................................................................................................................................................... C-237
Donated Goods ....................................................................................................................................................... C-237
Staffing Statistics ........................................................................................................................................................... C-237
Daily Staffing Levels ............................................................................................................................................... C-237
Mutual Aid Assistance by Date .............................................................................................................................. C-238
Effects on Routine Operations .............................................................................................................................. C-238
Mutual Aid Assistance by Agency ......................................................................................................................... C-240

Oklahoma City Police Department
Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing
After Action Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The efforts of the three lead agencies were coordi-
nated through a loosely formed unified command. The
On Wednesday, April 19, 1995, at 0902 hours, a
Oklahoma City Fire Department (OCFD)t ook respon-
powerful explosion ripped through downtown Okla-
sibility for searchhescue and recovery operations; Okla-
homa City. The blast was detonated from a Ryder rental
homa City Police (OCPD)e stablished a perimeter and
truck parked in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
security for the scene, while Federal Bureau of Investi-
Building located at 200 N. W. 5th Street. The explosion
gation (FBI) agents conducted the criminal investiga-
not only demolished the Murrah Building, but caused
tion.
major damage to adjacent structures, touched off car
fires, and blew out glass windows and doors in a three- The teamwork between agencies, the business
square-mile area on the north side of downtown Okla- community, and citizens began immediately. By noon,
homa City. the Police Chaplain and responding Clergy took charge
of food, drinks, and other supplies as they were do-
All available on-duty and off-duty police, fire, and
nated to the site. Throughout the incident, all emer-
medical personnel from throughout the metropolitan
gency workers did was mention a need and the
area responded to the scene. Citizens and rescue crews
community literally flooded the site with donations.
teamed up to ensure the injured were treated and trans-
The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Feed the Children
ported as quickly as possible. Medical teams from lo-
all quickly mobilized and began coordinating donations
cal hospitals and Tinker Air Force Base set up triage
and providing for the needs of rescue workers.
stations. Police and fire crews evacuated downtown
buildings and began the long tedious search for vic- By mid-day, April 19th, Oklahoma Governor Frank
tims. The Murrah building was sifted through, piece by Keating declared the site and immediate area a disas-
piece, in order to remove the rubble and to recover ter. State resources were authorized, which included
victims. Given the extent of damage to the building, activation of National Guard units. At 1630 hours, Cen-
few survivors were located and personnel established tral Standard Time, President Bill Clinton declared the
a temporary morgue in the Methodist Church just east site a national disaster and directed Justice Depart-
of the Murrah Building. ment and Federal Emergency Management Adminis-
tration (FEMA) officials to coordinate the Federal
Command Posts for the Federal Bureau of Investi-
response. FEMA activated 11 Urban Search and Res-
gation (FBI), Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP),O kla-
cue (USAR) Task Forces. These units provided man-
homa City Police (OCPD), and Oklahoma City fire
power, K-9 search teams, and additional extrication
Department (OCFD)b egan to establish field operations
equipment.
when a possible second explosive device was reported
at 1028 hours. As rescue crews and volunteers fled the Command Post operations for OCPD, OCFD, OHP,
scene, law enforcement officers seized the opportunity and the National Guard were established at Southwest-
to secure the inner scene and to establish an outer ern Bell Telephone’s administrative offices, One Bell
perimeter reaching several blocks in each direction Central, located two blocks north of the Murrah Build-
around the site. When rescue operations were resumed ing. Through the joint effort of relief organizations,
at 1 125 hours, officers limited perimeter access to es- clergy, local businesses, and citizens from throughout
sential rescue, medical, construction, and law enforce- the country, Bell Central became a “Cityw ithin the site.”
ment personnel. Every need was addressed by volunteers from food to
clothing; medical, including masseuses and chiroprac- From April 19th to May 5th, 165 bodies were re-
tors for relaxing massages; and Chaplains and covered. Three remaining victims were recovered on
debriefing teams to tend to the emotional needs of May 29th after the Murrah Building was demolished
rescue workers. As the incident progressed, mail from by implosion. The last victims were located in an area
throughout the country flooded the site as Americans determined to be too unstable for recovery until after
young and old wrote to offer words of encouragement the implosion on May 23, 1995. On May 30th, a sev-
and thanks. ered leg was located leading investigators to believe
there may be an additional victim.
In review of data collected on site and reports
generated in the days to follow, the tasks performed This incident was unique in that command was
were truly incredible and demonstrated interagency divided and shared by three agencies that in turn over-
cooperation which will set a new standard for pub- saw large numbers of personnel from multiple agen-
lic safety. The statistics are staggering: 168 dead, cies. OCPD Command coordinated law enforcement
over 490 treated at local hospitals, the nine-story activities for scene and perimeter security utilizing a
Murrah Building (valued at $30 million) completely daily average of 238 OCPD personnel and 258 officers
demolished, over 460 tons of debris sifted for evi- from 73 municipal agencies, 33 sheriffs’ departments,
dence, 324 buildings damaged including 10 struc- 8 different state agencies, and the National Guard.
tures collapsed and 13 condemned, 86 cars burned
There were 52 persons arrested at or near the inci-
or destroyed, and an estimated 50,000 people evacu-
dent site between April 19, 1995 and May 5, 1995, on
ated from the downtown area.
mostly misdemeanor charges. Those arrested included
On Sunday, April 23rd, a National Memorial Ser- several media representatives caught trespassing into
vice was held at the State Fairgrounds Arena. The ser- unauthorized areas. There were 20 Oklahoma City Po-
vice, attended by President Clinton, prompted lice Officers injured in the incident. Only three officers
activation of OHP and OCPD recruit classes. These re- were hospitalized. The remainder were treated and re-
cruits were assigned to perimeter security posts while leased or filed an injury report to document their ex-
veteran personnel provided security for the Memorial posure to smoke, dust, and asbestos.T wo officers were
Service and Presidential Motorcade. involved in vehicular accidents while responding to the
scene. Following the implosion, one Bomb Technician
Beginning Monday, April 24th, Police began re-
was hospitalized for stress and chest pains.
leasing vehicles and personal effects from within the
outer perimeter. Business owners were allowed lim- In conclusion, the immediate response to the
ited access to survey damage and to begin repairs. scene, the prompt securing of the perimeter, and the
OCPD and FBI issued over 20,000 assorted access effective utilization of personnel from many agencies
passes and released 432 vehicles from within the are testimony to the outstanding working relationship
perimeter. of all law enforcement agencies. As with any major in-
cident, especially those involving multiple agencies,
Throughout the incident, weather played an im-
there will always be problems of varying degrees and
portant role in decisions pertaining to rescue opera-
room for improvement. Throughout this incident, ev-
tions, scene security, and requirements for personnel.
ery effort was made to resolve problems as they arose
As the rescue and recovery work progressed, there were
and to ensure all efforts remained focused on the res-
a number of occasions where operations were halted
cue and recovery of victims.
due to the weather. The primary concerns were the
winds and the instability of the building. From day one of this incident, praise is due to
countless police, firefighters, and citizens who, at great
Over the 17 days, rescue crews sifted through the
risk to themselves, participated in the initial rescue
debris to remove rubble in search of victims. As bod-
operations. Likewise, praise is due to City leaders for
ies were located, Police and Medical Examiner’s per-
the City’s state of preparedness and commitment to
sonnel directed the recovery. Initially, bodies were
the incident. Praise is due to the community and citi-
placed in the temporary morgue and later transported
zens who displayed such strong support for all Public
to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for
Safety personnel during these trying times.
identification. Identification Teams used fingerprints,
DNA testing, X-rays, and medical and dental records Factors that contributed directly to the successful
to ensure positive identity of victims. rescue operation include increased levels of manpower
and equipment for police and fire resulting from the An additional 36 officers and 9 supervisors responded
public safety sales tax; the OCPD take-home car pro- to the Patrol Divisions to assist in taking routine calls
gram, which aided the prompt response of officers; the for police services.
expertise of the many specialized units; the training
At 09 19 hours, Major Larry Gramling activated the
and equipment of units such as the Emergency Re-
Department’s Command Post, and it responded from
sponse Team; the commitment and support from our
the Police Training Center. The Oklahoma City fire De-
community, state, nation, and the whole world; and
partment (OCFD)r equested that Police establish Com-
last but not least, the dedication and commitment of
mand Post operations at N.W. 6th and Harvey adjacent
police personnel. Whether assigned to the incident or
to fire Command Post operations. Command Post per-
working in support of those at the site, the law enforce-
sonnel arrived at N.W. 6th and Harvey, northwest cor-
ment community pulled together as one unified force.
ner, in a parking lot at 0931 hours. Command Post
It is likely the truth will never be fully known as to operations personnel were quickly identified and be-
the acts of bravery and heroism performed on April gan limited operations immediately.
19th. One can only report the performances as excep-
At 0919 hours, the Emergency Response Team
tional. The unified efforts have set a standard of excel-
(ERT) was activated by Deputy Chief R. Neil1 Griffith.
lence for emergency service that will last for years and
ERT units staged personnel and responded from the
has already become known throughout the country as
Department’s Training Center. As officers responded,
the “Oklahoma Standard.”
they were assigned to a squad and proceeded to des-
ignated assignments. The Commander of the Emer-
OVERVIEW OF INCIDENT
gency Response Team, Major Garold Spencer,
arrived at the Command Post and began formulat-
At 0902 hours, April 19, 1995, a bomb was deto-
ing response plans. The first squad arrived at ap-
nated at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, 200 N.
proximately 0945 hours. All but two of the first
W. 5th Street. At the time of the detonation, the Okla-
Contingency of Emergency Response Team Officers,
homa City Police Department, the largest police agency
consisting of 64 officers, 6 supervisors, and 4 staff
in the State of Oklahoma, had 995 sworn personnel,
members, had arrived and were deployed by ap-
302 civilian personnel, and 43 police recruits in train-
proximately 1030 hours.
ing. Of that total number of personnel, 380 sworn per-
sonnel, 119 civilian personnel and 43 police recruits lmmediately following the blast, the Oklahoma
were on duty. City Police Department Headquarters was evacuated
by Major Don Pennington, and most commissioned
On-duty and off-duty personnel from all Bureaus
personnel were directed to report to the Command
responded immediately to the Murrah Building. Com-
Post for assignments. A bomb search was conducted
munications documented first on-duty units arrived at
at Police Headquarters and no device was found.
the scene by 0904. Arriving personnel immediately
Civilian personnel were permitted to return to their
began rescue operations in the Murrah Building. Re-
assignments or go to a blood institute and donate
sponding officers and civilians participated in rescue
blood.
and evacuation operations for the YMCA building, Jour-
nal Record Building, Water Resource Building and Re- Investigative personnel began arriving at the Com-
gency Towers. Reports indicate responding personnel mand Post. They attempted to locate and interview any
aided injured persons throughout the area, helped set person who may have been a witness to the explosion.
up triage stations, and later established a temporary They canvassed the immediate area in an effort to lo-
morgue on the Murrah Building day care playground. cate video surveillance cameras. Since many of the in-
vestigative personnel did not have handheld radios,
From Police Reports, the Department has been
the Property Room was notified, and 20 radios were
able to identify 69 officers who were involved in initial
immediately delivered to the Command Post.
rescue operations in the Murrah Building and adjacent
buildings. Additionally, 6 1 officers aided injured per- Investigative personnel aided in setting up the ini-
sons and eight officers were identified as having trans- tial temporary morgue on the Murrah Building day care
ported injured persons to area hospitals. A total of 364 playground. By 1032 hours, personnel had moved six
Oklahoma City Police personnel responded to the site. bodies from the playground to the first Methodist
Of this total, 220 were on duty and 144 were off duty. Church located at N.W. 4th and Robinson.
This church site was utilized as the on-site morgue tablished by 1 1 10 hours in a lot in the 800 block of N.
for the remainder of the incident. Investigative person- Harvey.
nel took responsibility for staffing the temporary
As emergency personnel retreated, an outer pe-
morgue throughout the incident.
rimeter was established from N.W. 7th Street on the
Beginning April 19th, Technical Investigations per- north, Robert S. Kerr on the south, and from Walker on
sonnel were assigned to the Medical Examiner’sO ffice the west, to Broadway on the east. Emergency Re-
to process remains recovered from the blast site. Per- sponse Team personnel set this perimeter and then
sonnel photographed all body parts and remains, rolled controlled access into the area utilizing OHP Troopers
fingerprints of victims, and printed victim’s residences and all assisting law enforcement agencies. As emer-
to obtain latent prints to use in the identification pro- gency crews retreated, supervisors staged emergency
cess. Technical Investigators staffed the Medical crews in various locations around the perimeters. All
Examiner’s Office through Friday, May 5th. Investiga- ambulances were routed to the 900 block N. Robinson,
tors returned to the morgue on May 30th to process fire equipment to the 800 block N. Harvey, utility crews
the last three of the 168 bodies. to 200 to 300 blocks N. W. 10th Street, heavy equip-
ment to 5th Street, Walker to Classen, and medical
Investigation’s personnel established and main-
personnel to N.W. 9th and Walker and N.E. 5th and
tained a liaison with the Police Command Post
Oklahoma. Police personnel were routed to perimeter
throughout the incident to coordinate and assist in
locations to position equipment, establish a physical
assign i ng manpower. 1n it ia 11y , 1n vest iga t ive person nel
barrier around the perimeter, and to aid in controlling
were assigned to hospitals in an effort to identify in-
traffic. Control of this outer perimeter was gained at
jured persons and to identify any potential witnesses
1120 hours.
to the explosion. Investigators were sent to Baptist,
St. Anthony’s, Oklahoma Memorial, Southwest Medi- Traffic supervisors altered the existing traffic pe-
cal Center, and Deaconess Hospitals. This work proved rimeter as non-police emergency crews and civilians
to be unnecessary as the hospitals had staff in place retreated from the area following the report of a sec-
to identify all injured persons. These assignments were ond device. The traffic perimeter was set at Walker on
discontinued late on the afternoon of April 19. Hospi- the west, N.W. loth on the north, Robert S. Kerr on the
tals provided lists of those treated directly to the Red south, and was expanded from Broadway east to Okla-
Cross centers. homa. This change in the traffic perimeter was com-
pleted by 1200 hours.
All lanes of traffic were kept open for responding
medical, rescue, and recovery personnel with one ex- At 1 122 hours the Command Post reported no ex-
ception. A partial traffic blockage was noted by Traffic plosive device had been found. OCPD Bomb Techni-
Supervisors in the 500 to 600 blocks N. Robinson. This cians reported finding simulator devices and dummy
blockage was caused by the manner in which various rounds, but no bomb. Rescue operations were resumed
responding agencies parked vehicles. The center por- at 112 5 hours. Officers on the outer perimeter con-
tion of the block was open; however, only one vehicle trolled access allowing entry to only essential rescue
could travel through the block at any given time. This personnel, medical personnel, construction crews, and
problem was corrected by 1030 hours. law enforcement personnel. The Command Post docu-
mented that all rescue operations had resumed by 1 144
At 1028 hours, rescue crews reported finding a sec-
hours. At 1123 hours, Agency Department Heads met
ond suspected explosive device in the debris. Com-
in the Command Post. The Federal Bureau of Investi-
mand Post personnel then directed all officers to
gation (FBI) assumed jurisdiction for the crime scene,
evacuate and clear a four block area, due to the possi-
evidence collection and criminal investigation, Okla-
bility of another blast. The officers had been in the pro-
homa City Police (OCPD) accepted responsibility for
cess of gaining control of the inner perimeter, and
scene and perimeter security, with the Oklahoma City
seized the opportunity to mark and secure the scene
fire Department (OCFD) taking responsibility for res-
when this evacuation occurred. Police Supervisors ad-
cue and recovery operations.
vised that the inner perimeter, being the block around
the Murrah Building, was secured at 1040 hours by OCFD Fire Rescue personnel established an Inci-
officers that remained during the evacuation. Likewise, dent Command System in an intact loading dock on
the Police Command Post itself was moved and rees- the west end of the first floor of the Murrah Building.
On the northwest corner of 5th Street and Harvey, medi- rectors’ Team established a victims’ assistance center
cal personnel and police set up a “field hospital” in a at the first Christian Church located at N.W. 36th and
damaged Post Office building. This site became a tri- Walker. This center became an assembly point for fami-
age and treatment area early on, only to be turned into lies and friends awaiting information from the rescue
a temporary morgue by mid-afternoon. Later, the Meth- and recovery operation. Medical Examiner’s Office staff
odist Church at N. W. 4th and Robinson was designated coordinated the notification of families from this loca-
the temporary morgue. Medical personnel remained tion. This center continued operation through May 5th.
at the Post Office until May 5th, to provide treatment
The Communications Unit, E-9- 1 - 1, recorded over
and supplies to rescue workers.
1,800 calls or attempts during the first hour. Only 488
The OCPD Chaplain, Jack Poe, utilized the Nego- of these calls were answered immediately. Communi-
tiators van to establish an assistance and support cen- cations reported the volume of 91 1 phone calls aver-
ter adjacent to the Command Post at N.W. 8th and aged twenty percent above normal for three days.
Harvey. The Chaplain and arriving clergy immediately
The Department’s K-9 Units assisted in providing
took charge of food, drinks, and other supplies arriv-
security on all perimeters. These units were involved
ing at the Command Post complex.
in the initial rescue operations, coordinated supplies
By mid-afternoon, storms moved into the area, for out-of-state search and rescue dog teams, and
prompting the Chaplain’s center to move to the cov-
searched other buildings in the area.
ered parking area at Southwestern Bell administrative
offices, One Bell Central. The Chaplain’s operation re- The Bomb Disposal Unit was assigned and partici-
mained and continued its operation from Bell Central pated in evidence recovery teams, assisted in the search
through May 5th. for and recovery of victims, and assisted Federal Agents
in the investigation of the bombing. Since April 19th,
At 1430 hours the Police Command Post was
the Bomb Disposal Unit has worked closely with bomb
moved to the One Bell Central parking lot located in
technicians from the Alcohol, Tobacco, and firearms
the 800 block of N. Harvey. This location was selected
(ATF), and OHP to inspect and search government
by communications personnel due to the availability
buildings.
of utility services, and Southwestern Bell offered all
existing land-lines from their building. This location Within minutes of the blast, media from through-
became the main command post complex with Police, out the country converged on Oklahoma City. Due to
fire, Highway Patrol, and National Guard Command the number of media vehicles, parking lots on the north
Posts all established at the location. Southwestern Bell and south side of N. W. 7th just west of Harvey were
arranged for temporary fencing of the parking lot. selected as the central media assembly point. This area
was designated for media personnel only and secured
At 1630 hours, CST, President Clinton held a Na-
by police personnel throughout the incident.
tional Press Conference in Washington D.C. during
which the site and immediate area were declared a The only other entity permitted to set up within
Federal Disaster. The President ordered Federal re- the outer perimeter was Feed the Children. Feed the
sources made available through FEMA. Children volunteers stockpiled supplies and aided Red
By mid-afternoon on April 19th, Oklahoma Gover- Cross workers in meeting the needs of rescue workers,
nor Frank Keating had declared the area a State Disas- using a tractor-trailer parked inside the outer perim-
ter and ordered the mobilization of National Guard eter.
Units. The first National Guard units began arriving on
Entry passes were required for medical workers,
site by 1800 hours. State Emergency Management
construction crews, and personnel from businesses to
officials began coordination with Oklahoma County
enter the outer perimeter area. The passes were ini-
Emergency Management personnel to ensure all re-
tially issued from the Command Post beginning the
quired City, County, and State resources were made
afternoon of April 19th. Due to the demand for passes,
available. The State Funeral Directors’ Disaster Re-
this operation was moved to One Bell Central’s cov-
sponse Teams were mobilized to provide assistance to
ered parking area to minimize the number of persons
families and to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
in the Command Post. These passes were originally
Utilizing Red Cross, Salvation Army, Police and issued by patrol officers; however, Investigations per-
Sheriff‘s Office personnel, the Clergy and Funeral Di- sonnel assumed this duty on April 20th. Also on April
20th, the FBI began issuing a separate photo rial Service at the State Fairgrounds Arena. Personnel
identification pass at their Command Post located at working the site and perimeter were reduced to pro-
#11 N.E. 6th Street. This ID was contained in a color- vide manpower for the Presidential visit. All Solo Mo-
coded, laminated card. Clear was for law enforcement, torcycles, Parking Enforcement, K-9, and Bomb
green for perimeter security, yellow for utility and con- Disposal personnel were assigned to protection details.
struction crews, and red for relief agencies such as Sal- Perimeter security was augmented by utilizing Train-
vation Army, Chaplains, and the Red Cross. These ing Center staff and all Police recruits for the day shift.
laminated cards permitted access for the duration of
On Monday, April 24th, a system was established
the incident.
for the release of vehicles left within the crime scene
On Friday, April 21st, the OCPD began issuing perimeter. The media notified the public by publish-
color-coded day passes due to earlier passes being ing maps showing areas approved by the FBI for ve-
copied and altered. The color of the passes changed hicle release. Owners reported to City Hall, where
daily at midnight and was reported to all agencies. The Investigators verified ownership, authorized the re-
daily passes continued to be issued until the Command lease, and then directed the owners to perimeter ac-
Post ceased operations on May 5th. Oklahoma City cess points. At each designated point, car owners were
Police personnel issued approximately 4,000 single- met by Officers and escorted by Police Officers or Re-
day passes prior to the FBI issuing passes. cruits to obtain their vehicles. This release program
continued through Tuesday, May 2nd, and documented
On Sunday, April 23rd, permits moved to the Okla-
the release of 432 vehicles. Auto Theft Investigators
homa Publishing Company (OPUBCO)B uilding, at 4th
identified and released 86 additional vehicles that were
and Broadway, where the operation was consolidated
damaged or destroyed in the blast and ensuing fires.
with the FBI Photo ID section. The FBI reports having
issued 16,026p hoto passes during the incident. Personnel from the Special Projects Unit assisted
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by providing
Beginning on April 19, at 1600 hours, Press
facilities for a DEA Command Post, guarding families
Briefings were held at Civic Center Music Hall. City,
of deceased agents, and assisting out-of-town agents.
State, and Federal officials participated in these con-
ferences. Security for the press conferences was pro- The number of Police assigned to the incident re-
vided by Investigators throughout the incident. mained fairly consistent through May 1 st. On May 2nd,
units began downsizing as recovery work shifted to
Beginning April 2 1 st, Property Management Unit daylight hours. Operations continued to slow until Fri-
personnel began processing all personal property re-
day, May 5th, when recovery was halted. All but three
covered from victims and from the Murrah Building.
bodies had been recovered. The area where the remain-
Additionally, the Unit took custody of all personal prop-
ing bodies were entombed was marked and secured
erty recovered from damaged vehicles located in park- for recovery following demolition of the building by
ing lots around the blast site. This Unit received and implosion.
processed in excess of 440 separate property cases.
Cases ranged from personal effects to large containers On Friday, May 5th, rescue and recovery person-
of effects recovered from desks and office areas. The nel participated in a Memorial Service at the site. Fol-
contents of these cases filled over two semitrailers. lowing the service, actual site security was turned over
to Federal authorities. Outer perimeter security and
On Saturday, April 22nd, the Multi-Agency Coor- traffic control around the site was continued through
dination Center (MACC) was established by OCFD and May 8th using uniformed officers from the Operations
FEMA at the Myriad Convention Center. Each agency Bureau, OHP, and National Guard units. A second Me-
working in the rescuehecovery operation provided a morial Service was held for the victims’ families on
liaison. Requests for resources were funneled through Saturday, May 13th. The Department provided security
the Center. The MACC operated at the Myriad through for this service.
Friday, April 28th. It was then relocated to the Police
On Monday, May 22nd, Oklahoma City Police
Co mm u n i ca t i o n s Emergency Operations Center. The
Officers reclaimed the outer perimeter and secured the
MACC officially ceased operations Tuesday, May 2nd.
area for the Murrah Building’si mplosion. At 0702 hours,
On Sunday, April 23rd, President Clinton traveled Tuesday, May 23rd, the Murrah Building was reduced
to Oklahoma City to participate in a National Memo- to a pile of rubble through controlled implosion. FBI,