Suspicious Bomb-like Device Found

A park maintenance employee contacted park dispatch on the morning of January 28th and reported a suspicious looking object that had been taped to the back of a park sign at the overlook of Battery Spencer. This overlook receives heavy visitation because of the magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the city of San Francisco. Four rangers and a Park Police identification technician responded. As a precaution, the area was closed to the public and a bomb dog was requested; due to a considerable delay in the dog’s arrival, the San Francisco Bomb Squad was summoned and arrived a short time later. The device was eventually rendered safe by the squad. Further investigation revealed that it was actually a pinhole camera that was taped to the back of the sign to take a black and white image of the bridge. The individual responsible for the camera had left his business card taped to the can and the pieces were intact enough to be able to contact him. The USPP Criminal Investigations Branch will be conducting the follow-up investigation.