OPOTA Specialized Peace Officers (SPO) Practice Test

The presence of structural collapse at a scene is a strong indicator that explosive devices may have been used. Explosives, when detonated, generate significant force that can lead to immediate and catastrophic structural damage, especially in buildings or other structures designed to withstand typical environmental forces. A collapse can provide clues about the nature of the explosion, such as the size and type of explosive, as well as the potential for additional explosives being present either at the same location or in proximity to where the explosion occurred.

While strange odors may suggest volatile substances, they do not specifically indicate explosives. Multiple vehicles parked nearby may be a tactical consideration but do not imply explosives directly. Similarly, unresponsive individuals can indicate an emergency situation but lack specificity regarding explosives. Therefore, structural collapse is the most definitive evidence suggesting that explosive devices may have been present at the scene.