University Security Services The University of Adelaide Australia
You are here: 
text zoom : S | M | L
Printer Friendly Version
Further Enquiries:

Security Services
The University of Adelaide
SA 5005
AUSTRALIA
Email

Telephone: +61 8 8303 5990
Facsimile: +61 8 8223 1267


Bomb Threats
MANAGEMENT

See also: 
Bomb Threats - Bomb Search
Bomb Threats - Analysis
Bomb Threats - Letter Bombs



Nature of the Threat
Potential bombing incidents constitute a serious threat to employees, customers, assets, operations and facilities whether the motive is found in extortion, assault or an act of terror.  This threat area has taken on relevance and is increasingly prevalent today for a number of reasons which are:
  • Technology in the area of explosives and devices has advanced tremendously with the development and mass production of advanced electronics, plastics, and explosive materials.
  • Material necessary to construct a very powerful device are readily available from a wide variety of common sources.
  • Within our right to the freedom of speech can be found all the information that is required to take this technology, and materials, and build an operational explosive device.
  • This information is increasingly and more readily available via "underground" publications and the Internet.
  • With the exposure and media promotion of bombing events comes and instant education for the entire population, and a means for potentially unstable individuals to express themselves in a "copycat" fashion.
It is now possible for just about anyone to construct a sophisticated explosive or incendiary device, which is extremely powerful, difficult to detect and disarm, and small enough to be easily carried and concealed.

Following an event, the investigation and successful prosecution of bombers is very difficult as the modern weapon literally destroys most of the physical evidence that was often left by the older and more primitive devices.  Without the assurance of a quick and effective investigation and prosecution, much of the deterrent value of  the criminal justice system is lost.

The bomb threat of today has creditability.  As we have experience, Australia is no longer immune to these kinds of acts.  This is not a threat to be taken as lightly as it once was in this society.  Your objectives should be to better understand this threat area, and to perplex now, while you have the time.

Device Placement and Prevention
The options available to the thoughtful attacker for effective placement of a device are numerous.  Generally, delivery can be accomplished in any of a number of ways to include on the person of an employee, visitor, vendor or maintenance person, within a box, purse, briefcase, lunch box, or via a commercial carrier, private delivery service, or by mail.

The level of confidence with which any bomb threat can accurately be evaluated lies in direct proportion to the degree of security and access control that is exerted regarding a given facility. With an atmosphere of lax protection comes the opportunity the attacker seeks and likewise, your inability to control the situation and to evaluate a bomb threat accurately.  However, having an adequate security posture offers a high pro-active value, and the ability to better define such an emergency situation when time is short and the pressure is on.

Click on links below for further information on bomb threats

Bomb Threat - Analysis
Bomb Threat - Search
Bomb Threat - Letter Bombs
Emergency Home Page
Bomb threat
Chemical Spills
Earthquake
Fire Hazards
The First Few Mins.
Flood
Natural Hazards
Power Failure
Armed Hold-up
Severe Storms Threatening Behaviour Administration Back Top Property Services Home Page University of Adelaide


Last updated by: 
Date: 2 March 2001 Authorised: 
© 1999 The University of Adelaide,
All Rights Reserved Disclaimer URL:  http://www.property.adelaide.edu.au/emerg-plan/bombthreats-1.html