The bomb task force units in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are remaining vigilant in light of Wednesday’s events when potentially explosive devices were sent to high-profile political figures across the country.
Members of the bomb squad are on call 24 hours a day.
The message they want to get across is that if you see something suspicious, do not hesitate to call 911.
“It’s safer to have us come take a look at it and make that determination than for somebody to get hurt or have something happen,” said Lt. Fred Mickel, San Luis Obispo Police Department.
The bomb task force responds to suspicious packages across the county.
Less than 10 days ago, it was called to Grover Beach Elementary School after a container with a suspicious liquid was found.
Back in March, our cameras captured the squad detonating a suspicious package found near the front door of the San Luis Obispo County Jail.
“These things have been going on for a long time,” Mickel continued. “This isn’t something that’s brand new to us, unfortunately. Yes, we’re seeing it more now because of what’s going on high profile but we’ve treated suspicious packages this way for a long time.”
KSBY reached out to local leaders in response to the suspicious packages being found across the nation on Wednesday.
Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office has temporarily suspended mail delivery to its district offices until more is known about the incidents.
Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham’s office declined to comment on security-related issues or divulge security-related procedures.
The bomb squad includes members from different agencies, including the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
They are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
We also reached out to The Tribune in San Luis Obispo as some media outlets were the targets of suspicious devices.
The newspaper sent us this statement:
“We are deeply troubled by any acts of violence that target the media and public figures. We are following our normal safety protocols, paying special attention to any suspicious packages we may receive.”
