Terrorism/Bomb Threat or Suspicious Item

The printable Response Guide for Terrorism, Bomb Threat, or Suspicious Item can help you respond to a threat in an orderly and controlled manner.  Act quickly but remain calm.  Treat terrorism threats, bomb threats, and suspicious items as SERIOUS and REAL until proven otherwise.

  • DO NOT touch, handle, or move a suspicious item.
  • DO NOT pull the fire alarm to initiate an evacuation.
  • DO NOT use radios or cell phones near a suspicious item as they have the potential to detonate an explosive.
  • If a threat is received by handwritten note or E-mail, or you receive or find a suspicious package, call UMBC Police at (410) 455-5555.
  • Do not delete a threatening E-mail or text message.  Leave the message open on the computer or phone.  Print, photograph, or copy the message and subject.  Note date, time, and the sender’s address/number.
  • Most threats are received by phone.  TRY TO REMAIN CALM.  Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible by asking questions (see the threat ).  Try to keep the caller talking.
  • LISTEN CAREFULLY.  Try to be polite, show interest.  If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the display.
  • Complete the checklist on the response guide as possible.  Record as much detail as you can remember.  Try to recall exact words.
  • If possible, alert a colleague to call UMBC Police.  Or immediately notify UMBC Police yourself as soon as the caller hangs up.
  • DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE that received the threat, even after the caller does.  Keep the line open after the caller hangs up.  Use a different phone to contact UMBC Police.  Do not use the telephone on which the threat was received.
  • Request instructions from UMBC Police before searching for any suspicious items or evacuating.
  • The Response Guide for Terrorism, Bomb Threat, or Suspicious Item includes a threat checklist.
  • Record the day and date received, the time received, the time the call ended, the caller’s phone number, and your phone’s number.
  • Record the exact words of the threat.  Write down as many details as you can remember.

Stay calm and ask these questions:

  • Where is the item located (building, floor, room)?
  • When will it go off?
  • What does it look like?
  • What is it? A bomb? A poison substance or chemical?
  • What will make it explode?
  • Did you place the item? (Yes) (No) – who did?)
  • Why are you doing this?
  • What is your name?
  • Are you part of a group?

Try to determine traits of the caller and of the threat:

  • Are there any background noises on the call?
  • Estimated age?
  • Does the caller sound male, female, or it is difficult to tell?
  • Is the voice familiar?
  • If the voice is familiar, who does it sound like?
  • Anything else strange or distinctive?
  • Any characteristics of the caller’s voice, background noise, or language used?
  • If the perpetrator leaves, note which direction they went.  Follow from a safe distance if possible.
  • Call UMBC Police at (410) 455-5555.  Notify your immediate supervisor.
  • Use the Response Guide for Terrorism, Bomb Threat, or Suspicious Item to record the threat exactly as it was communicated.
  • Physical description of the person:
    • Race or Gender?
    • Body size (approximate height and /weight)?
    • Distinguishing physical features?
    • Type and color of clothing or accessories?
    • Hair and eye color?
    • Voice (loud, deep, accent, etc. See Section 3)?
  • If you are handed a written threat, call UMBC Police at (410) 455-5555.  Notify your immediate supervisor.
  • Handle the document as little as possible.  Secure the original note and DO NOT alter it in any way.
  • Rewrite the threat exactly as is on another sheet of paper or type it on your phone or computer.
  • If the note is small or removable, place in a bag or envelope.  If its is large/stationary, secure the immediate area.
  • Record the date/time/location the document was found.
  • Record any details surrounding discovery or delivery.
  • Record the full names of any personnel who witnessed the threat.

Not all items are suspicious.  An unattended item is anything like a bag or package or vehicle not in someone’s possession that has no obvious signs of being suspicious, especially if no threat was received.

Suspicious Item Common indicators

  • A suspicious item is anything you reasonably believe to contain explosives or dangerous materials and requires a trained technician to evaluate the item.
  • Examples include a letter, package, or vehicle.
  • Remember H.O.T. – Treat anything Hidden, Out of place, and not Typical as suspicious.
  • Potential indicators are threats, placement, and proximity of an item to people and valuable assets.
  • Physical indicators include unexplainable wires or electronics, other visible bomb-like components, unusual sounds, vapors, powders, mists, or odors.

Finding a suspicious item:

  • DO NOT touch, tamper with, or move the item.  Call UMBC Police at (410) 455-5555.
  • Notify your immediate supervisor.  DO NOT Use two-way radios or cell phones near a suspicious package.
  • Ensure the area is secured and cleared of personnel.  Be aware of secondary devices.
  • If the threat assessment warrants, authorities may direct a controlled search and orderly evacuation.

LOW RISK THREAT:

  • Lacks realism, threat is vague/indirect/inconsistent.  Poses minimal risk to safety.  Seeks disruption.
  • Caller is known/has called numerous times.  Or the threat was discovered instead of delivered (e.g., written on a wall).

MEDIUM RISK THREAT:

  • Increased level of realism. Threat could be carried out but is not entirely realistic. Wording suggests some thought on how the act will be carried out.
  • Little indication the perpetrator has taken preparatory steps but may include a possible place and time. Increased specificity to the threat (i.e., “I’m serious!”).
  • Indication the perpetrator has some knowledge about the availability of bomb making components.

HIGH RISK THREAT:

  • Threat is direct, specific, and realistic. Threat poses an immediate and serious danger to safety. May include names of targets, specific time, and location of device.
  • Perpetrator provides their identity and suggests steps have been taken toward carrying out the threat.
  • Perpetrator indicates they have practiced with a weapon or have intended victims under surveillance.

If a search is initiated:

  • Determine if a search is warranted based on a threat assessment. DO NOT use radios or cell phones unless the area has been searched and cleared.
  • Communicate situation to your personnel and request that they make a quick and complete visual scan of their personal workspace for anything unusual.
  • Account for all personnel. Take note of anyone missing or any object that seems out of place.
  • Check ledges, balconies, and waste bins. Check for unusual odors. Listen for unusual background noises.
  • If anything unusual is found, move people away from potential hazards and immediately report the location.
  • Finding one suspicious item should not automatically conclude a search. More devices may be present.
  • Based on the threat assessment, determine if a partial or full evacuation or a lockdown is warranted.

If evacuation is initiated:

  • Select evacuation routes and assembly areas away from the suspicious item; ensure routes have been searched and cleared.
  • Account for all personnel. Ensure they take all personal items. Confirm the building is empty.