Forensic Post Investigator

The investigator models blast dynamics, analyzing soil crater dimensions, structural wall deformation, and glass fragmentation patterns to estimate the Net Explosive Weight NEW and equivalent TNT charge mass. Conforming to standards established by the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Explosives SWGFEX and the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators IABTI, the specialist meticulously sifts through tons of debris, swabbing blast seats for microscopic traces of primary and secondary explosives including TATP, PETN, RDX, and ammonium nitrate fuel oil ANFO. They package metallic fragments to preserve tool marks, finger prints, and biological DNA traces on battery fragments, timer switches, and blasting cap shells.

While 3D laser scanners and drone photogrammetry digitize physical blast craters and debris fields, sorting through rubble requires painstaking human forensic methodology. Post blast scenes are hazardous environments contaminated with unexploded energetic materials, structural collapse risks, toxic fumes, and biological hazards. The forensic investigator leads the systematic gridding of the scene, utilizes portable ion mobility spectrometers IMS to screen microscopic swabbing samples, oversees confirmatory mass spectrometry testing in the crime laboratory, and delivers objective, sworn expert witness testimony in criminal courts of law.

The day begins at five thirty in the morning with an emergency deployment to the scene of a vehicle explosion outside a government building. The blast blew out windows across two city blocks and left a jagged crater in the asphalt street. Donning protective Tyvek suits, particulate respirators, and steel toe puncture resistant boots, the forensic investigator establishes the outer perimeter alongside bomb squad technicians who confirm the area is cleared of secondary explosive devices. The investigator leads the team in setting up a systematic search grid, marking coordinate sectors with colored flags. Approaching the blast seat, the investigator measures

the crater dimensions: one point eight meters wide and forty five centimeters deep into the compacted roadbed. Applying Hopkinson Cranz blast scaling formulas, they calculate an initial estimate of twenty five to thirty kilograms of TNT equivalent. They use a portable Ion Mobility Spectrometer to screen swabs taken from the crater center, receiving a strong positive alarm for cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, commonly known as RDX. In the afternoon, the investigator supervises evidence recovery technicians sifting through debris piles in Sector C. Using fine wire mesh screens, the investigator spots a tiny charred.

A Forensic Post Blast Crater and Explosive Residue Investigator examines, documents, reconstructs, and forensically analyzes bombing crime scenes, industrial explosion sites, and terrorist blast seats to determine the origin of the explosion, the type of explosive filler used, the mechanical initiation train, and the identity of the perpetrators. Operating within government forensic science laboratories, international counter terrorism investigative units, and law enforcement bomb squads, the investigator reconstructs shattered physical evidence from chaotic blast scenes.

Core responsibilities include lead forensic post blast investigations at terrorist bombing scenes, industrial accidents, and clandestine bomb laboratories., operational coordination, and ensuring strict adherence to Kenyan statutory frameworks and quality standards.

Key organizations hiring for this role include National Police Service Directorate of Criminal Investigations Forensic Lab, Ministry of Defence Kenya Defence Forces Ordnance Corps, Regional Centre on Small Arms RECSA, United Nations Mine Action Service UNMAS Eastern Africa, alongside expanding opportunities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and regional infrastructure projects.

Forensic Post Investigator Specialist, Senior Forensic Post Investigator, Forensic Post Investigator Lead, Forensic Post Investigator Consultant

While 3D laser scanners and drone photogrammetry digitize physical blast craters and debris fields, sorting through rubble requires painstaking human forensic methodology. Post blast scenes are hazardous environments contaminated with unexploded energetic materials, structural collapse risks, toxic fumes, and biological hazards. The forensic investigator leads the systematic gridding of the scene, utilizes portable ion mobility spectrometers IMS to screen microscopic swabbing samples, oversees confirmatory mass spectrometry testing in the crime laboratory, and delivers objective, sworn expert witness testimony in criminal courts of law. Employment opportunities concentrate across major industrial, commercial, and financial hubs including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, alongside specialized regional project sites.