Reply #23: By those standards, then I AM an explosive 'expert'.

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

(I don't use bomb here, because 'bomb' is a term that implies and explosive device designed to create death and destruction). You would need blasting caps. C-4 explosive needs decent blasting caps as well (Possible to make at home, but dangerous and not particularly fun), and wouldn't produce much a a bang without a containment system (say, a grenade). 6 ounces of uncontained C-4 is less than what you would use in a grenade (And let me remind everyone, the explosion of a grenade does pretty much ZERO; it's the shrapnel that does most of the work). You can burn C-4 without it ever exploding (it's actually made from fuel tablets that are designed for, among other things, campfires) Assuming it was C-4, at most it would have killed her and possibly burned a few other people(assuming she met the numerous requirements for detonation. It could be more likened to carrying around a handful of M-80's).

Next point- actual C-4 is difficult to make (The binding agents are less easy to work with). Assuming your going this route, C-3 would be easier to make, and wouldn't look like military C-4.

C-x explosives are also much more complicated and require more dangerous synthesis methods than many explosives. It can be done by anyone with a basic understanding of the synthesis process, but overall, there are much better things to do if you're actually sick enough to blow someone up.

Flashing lights are pointless. They aren't needed in ANY explosive device. The only conceivable reason for their usage would be in a timed device where you wanted to let whoever saw it know how close to detonation it was (Also a bad idea).

So, at most all they should have done was ask to get a closer look. A 10 second inspection would be more than enough to determine that it was no threat. Should she have worn it? Well, the ignorance of our system being so overwhelming, I would say no. No point in making the people who are supposed to be protecting us want to shit themselves. The charges are police over-reaction and them trying to make it look like they weren't as stupid as they actually are.