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Security Services
The University of Adelaide
SA 5005
AUSTRALIA
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Telephone: +61 8 8303 5990
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Bomb Threat
Analysis
MANAGEMENT

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

Bomb threats are usually received by telephone. The call is usually short in duration and the caller usually refused to answer any questions. None-the-less, the caller should be pushed for additional information, as it will be very helpful to the threat analysis that you will have to quickly make. Ask for information pertaining to the motive, location of the device, type, appearance, detonation time, and etcetera. The caller’s exact words should be written down. Do not leave the recall of what was said to your memory as under stressful conditions something will end up changed or misquoted. Also carefully note any background noises, unusual comments, accents, other voice characteristics, etc. (Example Bomb Threat Checklist at Appendix D for distribution to Telephone call reception points).

The next step is to access the validity of the threat. Real or a hoax? Act or not, and to what degree? Your response to the situation will be totally dependent upon your evaluation results.

Your response will involve three continuous and related, but also distinct steps, which are:

First: Analysis of the threat, and estimate of the need for response.
Second: Decision of the logical response to follow.
Third: Implementing the response decisions within the allowed time frame.

Each of these steps will require different skills and information, and will involve different people, working both together and independently. The following questions must be answered based upon the available information even if the answer involves an assumption.

How creditable is the threat?
Has tangible information and evidence been provided that strongly indicates that an actual device is involved, or does an anonymous caller simply state that "There is a bomb in your facility." and quickly hang up?
In turn, what is the proper response?
Ignore the threat or warning and simply keep it in mind for future reference?
Have several employees conduct a low profile and limited search of a specific area?
Conduct an in-house search of the entire facility?
Notify the public authorities and involve them in your efforts?
Order a general evacuation of the facility?

Very simply, the response selected should be in direct proportion to the threat information that has been received.

A subjective judgement must be made regarding the degree of credibility or dependence that can be placed upon the information that has been received. A good rule to follow is, "What would an ordinarily prudent person do under the circumstances, and in a position of responsibility if confronted with this problem?".

The decision on how to respond will a), have to be made and b), can only be a judgement call influenced by the amount of information that is available at that time. Is the nature of the threat such that is it apparent that there is no immediate danger, or conversely, is it possible that there could be an actual danger? For instance:

EXAMPLE SITUATIONS

Situation 1:

Threat: The caller indicates the facility will be bombed, but does not state the nature of the device or the time of detonation, and then hangs up.

Probable Motive: Harassment with the intent of causing anxiety and disruption. This motive would become more likely if there have been or are a series of such calls.

Response: The appropriate response would be to conduct a limited and low profile search, advice select employees to be alert and observant, and to advise the authorities of the threat, but without a request for assistance.

Situation 2:

Threat: The caller indicates that a high yield device has been positioned, he provides information regarding a unique design characteristic of the facility or an event (such as a recent unexplained break-in), states that the device in close proximity to your Data Processing Department, and gives a specific time of detonation which is only thirty minutes away.

Probably Motive: Unknown

Response: It would be proper to immediately notify the authorities and to evacuate the facility. The facility should not be occupied at the specified detonation time, but could be searched before or after. The caller indicated definite knowledge, and had the objective of forewarning to minimise the consequences. This threat should be taken seriously, and your response escalated in proportion.

Situation 3:

Threat: The caller advises you to proceed to an exact location in the facility where he states you will find the first of several devices. He advises that you will be contacted again with further instruction, and hang-ups.

Motive: Extortion

Response: In searching, you in fact find the first device. It should not be touched. The areas surrounding, and the floors below and above should immediately be evacuated. The Police should be notified.

Fire and law enforcement authorities should be consulted with if the threat appears to have merit. However, be aware that they will usually not assume responsibility for making certain decisions, which pertain to your business, and property.

Generally, it is logical to over react if in doubt or if the threat appears to be realistic, and to not react strongly if there reasonably appears to be little basis to the threat.

Click on links below for further information on bomb threats

Bomb Threat - Analysis
Bomb Threat - Search
Bomb Threat - Letter Bombs
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