Bomb threats are delivered in a variety of ways. The majority of threats are called in to the target. Occasionally these calls are through a third party. Sometimes a threat is communicated in writing or by a recording. Proper planning will reduce the threat of panic. A calm response to the bomb threat call could result in obtaining additional information.
If you receive a bomb threat:
Report the call immediately to 9-1-1 using a landline phone. Do not use a cellular phone or any wireless communication device to report a bomb threat.
q Write down the exact wording of the threat
q Ask the following questions:
o When is the bomb going to explode?
o Where is it right now?
o What does it look like?
o What kind of bomb is it?
o What will cause it to explode?
o Did you place the bomb?
o Why?
o What is your address?
o What is your name?
q Write down information about the caller
o Sex
o Race
o Age
q Document the following information
o Phone number the threat was received on
o Time of threat
o Length of call
q Listen for background noise
o Voices
o Music
o House
o Motor
o Office machinery
o Street noises
o Factory machinery
o Animal noises
o PA system
q Write down a description of the caller’s voice:
o Calm
o Angry
o Excited
o Slow
o Rapid
o Accent
o Soft
o Loud
o Distinct
o Slurred
o Normal
o Disguised
o Nasal
o Stutter
o Lisp
o Raspy
o Deep
o Ragged
o Laughter
o Crying
o Cracking voice
o Clearing throat
o Deep breathing
o Familiar
q Document the threat language
o Well spoken (Educated)
o Irrational
o Foul
o Taped
o Message read by caller
o Incoherent
