Bomb Threats

BOMB THREATS

The following questions give basic instructions and preliminary guidance on what to ask a caller making a bomb threat. There are two series of questions. The first series is to solicit information related to UMBC and the callers’ knowledge of the campus. The second series of questions were developed by the U. S. Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

Questions to ask

UMBC DATA

Name of Building where bomb in located
Location of building on campus
Time set to detonate
Location in building that should be evacuated first
Why are you dong this?
Will the bomb cause a fire?

ATF BOMB CHECKLIST

Exact time of call.
Exact words of caller.
When is bomb going to explode?
Where is the bomb?
What does it look like?
What kind of bomb is it?
What will cause it to explode?
Did you place the bomb? Why?
From where are you calling?
What is your address?
What is your name?
CALLER’S VOICE (circle)
Calm Disguised Nasal Angry Broken
Stutter Slow Sincere Lisp Rapid
Giggling Deep Crying Squeaky Excited
Stressed Accent Loud Slurred Normal
Is voice familiar, whom did it sound like?
Was there any background noises?

Remarks:

Person receiving call:
Telephone number call received at:

Date:

WRITTEN BOMB THREATS

Preserve the envelope or container
Do not handle the note; place it in a clean envelope for police investigators

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES

Do not move it

Any item that is unusual, out of place or abandoned should be treated with suspicion

Notify UMBC Police

A person who encounters such conditions should immediately notify the UMBC Police Department ext. 55555. If a message is left on UMBC voice mail, save the message by pressing *4. Threats received at off-campus locations should be reported to local or state police. While there are many variables that could impact who is notified and the order of notification, the police department will notify the following offices when appropriate:

President’s Office

Provost Office

Deans

Vice Presidents

Office of Environmental Safety and Health

Department Chairperson, if applicable

Director of News and Online Information

Appropriate Federal, State Local Agencies

Coordination with law enforcement organizations external to UMBC will be handled by the police department. For extended situations the police department conference room will be the command and control center for strategy planning and operational coordination.

Back