1. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International Handling Bomb Threats The QVI Security Training Series

2. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International Handling Bomb Threats 4 Bomb threats are serious because they: –cause injury and death –cause structural damage –interrupt business operations –cause unnecessary financial losses

3. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International Why Do People Make Bomb Threats? 4 Knowledgeable caller wants to minimize personal injury or property damage 4 The caller simply wants to create panic and anxiety to disrupt operations

4. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International How Can A Bomb Be Brought Into Our Building? 4 Limited only by imagination –On the person of worker, visitor, etc –In a purse, handbag, lunchbox, etc –Via Postal Service, express courier –In a truck, car, bicycle, etc

5. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International Where Can A Bomb Be Placed? 4 Any location that is unlocked, not under surveillance or unsupervised –restrooms –elevators –unoccupied spaces –HVAC ducts

6. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Does A Bomb Look Like? 4 Can be constructed of anything 4 Stereotypical bomb is nonexistent 4 Common denominator is they are constructed to explode 4 Most are homemade 4 Limited by imagination/resources

7. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International How Do I Know When A Threat Is Real? 4 Difficult at best –Easier to make decision if suspect item is present –Threats are more difficult –Report ALL threats to police –Rely on decision of police

8. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Do I Do If I Find A Suspected Bomb? 4 DO NOT TOUCH OR MOVE! –A tamper switch may be attached –Keep others away –Notify police and your supervisor IMMEDIATELY –Follow police instructions

9. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Are Some Characteristics Of Letter or Package Bombs? 4 Some characteristics may apply to innocent items –Sender unknown to addressee –No return address –Addressee not expecting package –Incorrect title, address or spelling

10. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Are Some Characteristics Of Letter or Package Bombs? –Address title without name –Wrong title with name –Handwritten or poorly written address –Misspelling of common words

11. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Are Some Characteristics Of Letter or Package Bombs? –Return address and postmark dissimilar –Excessive postage –Special handling instructions –Restrictive markings

12. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Are Some Characteristics Of Letter or Package Bombs? –Excessive securing material –Oddly shaped or unevenly weighted –Bulky, lumpy or rigid envelopes –Lopsided or uneven envelopes –Oily stains or discoloration

13. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Are Some Characteristics Of Letter or Package Bombs? –Strange odors –Protruding wires or metal –Visual distractions –Arrived before/after call to addressee to open package

14. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Should I Do If I Receive A Bomb Threat Call? 4 Keep caller on line 4 Record every word of caller 4 Ask for location and time of detonation 4 Inform caller building occupied and could result in death or injury to innocent parties

15. Copyright 2001 Quo Vadis International What Should I Do If I Receive A Bomb Threat Call? 4 Listen for background noises 4 Listen closely to the voice 4 Report threat to police 4 Follow instructions of police 4 Remain available for interview