Current Projects

Counter-Terrorism Workshop Series

Pablo Arroyo, Senior SME at the NCSP, building the inert VBIED prop replicating the one used in the failed NYC Times Square bombing attempt.

The Failed Bombing Attempt in Times Square: The NCSP, in concert with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, developed and delivered a Special Topics workshop, “The Failed Bombing Attempt in Times Square,” on May 14, 2010 at the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC). Pablo Arroyo (pictured at right), Senior Subject Matter Expert for the NCSP, built a simulated vehicle-based improvised explosive device (VBIED), using a Nissan Pathfinder acquired by the SPTC, based on the actual VBIED in the failed attempt on Times Square. Arroyo used this inert prop to deliver a very detailed workshop on what the VBIED was and why it failed. He also discussed the types of training Al Qaeda often provides to operatives and “lone wolf”-type terrorists intending to employ explosives against a target.

In addition to Arroyo’s demonstration, Jaime Ian, Senior Intelligence Analyst for the Office of Counter-Terrorism, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, New York State Intelligence Center, provided an overview of the actual attempted bombing. Over 45 individuals from law enforcement, intelligence, and bomb technician communities across New York State attended the workshop, with two special guests in attendance from the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center at New Mexico Tech, in Socorro, NM.

Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP): As part of the NCSP’s commitment to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, it conducts a series of counter-terrorism workshops for the state of New York. One of these special topics workshops, “ TRIACETONE TRIPEROXIDE (TATP): What it is; How it’s manufactured in homemade explosives labs; Precursors; Initial Interdiction” was delivered on April 29, 2011 at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center on Long Island. Over 140 professionals from across New York and neighboring states participated in the all-day training. Lead instructor Pablo Arroyo was assisted by Ray Crowley. Both men are explosives Subject Matter Experts with the NCSP. Requests for a repeat of this workshop have been received from Western New York and at least one federal agency.

Workshop Information:

Target Audience: (maximum audience size is 125) The target audience for this workshop includes:

• Law enforcement (supervisory level) personnel
• Intelligence community
• Bomb technicians and canine (explosive) teams
• Hazardous materials teams (officers)
• Counter-terrorism law enforcement officers
• Homeland Security / Public Safety

Specific Topics: The workshop provided a mix of lecture, discussion, and interactive participation. The topics discussed include:

• TRIACETONE TRIPEROXIDE (TATP): an overview
• TATP Precursors
• What they are and where they are obtained
• Differentiation between TATP- and peroxide-type explosives
• TATP Clandestine homemade explosives lab: Recognition and Initial Interdiction/Precautions
• TATP: Interactions and Triggers
• A TATP HME Lab (inert): Up close and personal demonstration