Bomb Threat | Capital University, Columbus Ohio
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Bomb Threat

  • Most bomb threats that are called in are intended to disrupt normal business and activities and do not actually involve a bomb. However, every bomb threat must be considered real and must be properly investigated to ensure the safety of building occupants.

    Steps to Follow

    Written Bomb Threat:

    • Ensure the document is handled by as few people as possible.
    • Turn the document over to DPS as soon as possible.
    • If the threat is received via e-mail or voice mail, save it and notify Department of Public Safety immediately

    Telephoned Bomb Threat:

    • Remain calm and attempt to ask a nearby person to notify DPS.
    • Pay attention to the phone display, if possible, and record the information on the phone window.
    • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible and attempt to gather as much information as possible.

     

    Questions to ask include (per Federal Bureau of Investigation guidelines):

    • When is the bomb going to explode?
    • Where is it right now?
    • What does it look like?
    • What kind of bomb is it?
    • What will cause it to explode?
    • Did you place the bomb?
    • Why did you do it?
    • What is your name?
    • What is your address?

    Information to gather about the caller:

    • The exact wording of the threat
    • Sex of the caller
    • Age of the caller
    • Race of the caller
    • Length of the call
    • Date and time the call was taken
    • Any additional notes

    Information to note about the sounds during the call:

    • Is the voice familiar, and who does it sound like?
    • What best describes the caller’s voice (calm, angry, excited, slow, rapid, soft, lound, etc.)
    • Were there any background noises such as street noises, animal noises, clear, static, music, house noises, motor, factory, office.

    Information to gather regarding the threat language:

    • Educated or well-spoken
    • Incoherent
    • Foul
    • Irrational/threats
    • Taped
    • Message being read