Bombs and other explosives are especially dangerous for law enforcement. So much in fact, that many local areas, like Centre County, have its own specially-trained tactical teams.

Lt. Chris Fischel, Centre County Tactical Team leader, says, "It’s just that the explosives themselves are unsteady and it’s really difficult to know how much damage they can do."

The damage can be so paralyzing that tactical teams must sometimes use extreme measures.

Fischel adds, “They are specially equipped with suits, robots, and response vehicles to deal with the explosives."

According to Fischel, every bomb is different, depending on what it’s made with and how much explosive is used. So the team must first assess the bomb itself and then come up with a game plan.

Fischel notes, “We try to determine what the device is, categorize it, and then develop a stand-off distance based on the device itself, and then evacuate people."

Stand-off distance can range from 1300 feet for a suicide vest to 3000 feet for a van strapped with explosives. That's because not only is the initial blast a danger, but the after effects are as well.

Fischel says, “You’re going to have primary shrapnel with the explosive itself that’s designed to create harm. You’re going to have secondary devices flying all over, debris. Not just initially the first shock. There will be a lot of collateral damage involved."