Table of Contents Bomb Incident Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 The Telephone Threat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Response Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Threat Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Canine Searches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Team Searches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Outdoor Searches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8 In-door Searches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10 Suspicious Item Located . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Evacuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Large Bomb Evacuation Distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Preface This guide is a condensed reference tool for bomb searches, bomb threats, and the discovery of suspicious items or explosive devices. It is impossible to provide a complete overview of each scenario as each incident, location and facility is unique. Prior to an actual incident, a working bomb incident plan should be developed that designates a location for a command center in an actual emergency. Incorporate some of the elements from this guide into your bomb threat response plan. Additional training is strongly suggested in bomb search and bomb threat response techniques. Preparedness is the difference between life and death with incidences involving explosive devices. For more information on developing a bomb incident plan or to request training, contact your local bomb squad or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Bomb Disposal Unit at 770-987-0913. Bomb Incident Plan t Designate a chain of command t Establish a command center t Decide what primary and alternate communication will be used t Establish clearly by how and by whom a bomb threat will be evaluated t Decide what procedures will be followed when a bomb threat is received or device discovered t Determine to what extend the available bomb squad will assist and at whatpoint the squad will respond t Provide an evacuation plan with enough flexibility to avoid a suspected danger area t Designate search teams t Designate areas to be searched t Establish techniques to be utilized during search t Establish procedures to report and track progress of the search and a method to lead qualified bomb technicians to a suspicious package t Have a contingency plan available if a bomb should explode t Establish a simple-to-follow procedure for the person receiving the threat t Review your security plan in conjunction with the development of your bomb incident plan 2 Command Center t Designate a primary location and an alternate location t Assign personnel and designate decision-making authority t Establish a method for tracking search teams t Maintain a blueprint of floor diagrams in the command center t Establish primary and secondary methods of communication (Caution: The use of two-way radios may cause the bomb to explode prematurely.) t Formulate a plan for establishing a command center if a threat is received during work hours t Maintain a roster of all necessary telephone numbers 3 The Telephone Threat When a bomb threat is made by telephone, the individual receiving the call must be prepared to ask a series of questions. If possible, the threat should be tape-recorded. Questions to ask caller: t When will the bomb explode? t Where is the bomb? t What does the bomb look like? t What kind of bomb is it? t What will cause the bomb to explode? t Did you place the bomb? t Where are you calling from? t What is your address? t What is your name? Individual who received call should note: Is the voice familiar and whom did it sound like? ___________________ List any background noises: ____________________________________ Name of person receiving the call: _______________________________ Date and time the call was received:___________:__________a.m./p.m. Report call immediately to: ________________________-_____________ Note any accents or voice characterizations in the caller's voice. Circle those that pertain to the caller: Accent Disguised Deep Broken Stutter Lisp Slurred Nasal Squeaky Slow Rapid Loud Normal Calm Stressed Sincere Angry Excited Crying Giggling 4 Response Alternatives When a telephone threat is received, there are three possible ways you can respond to the threat. IGNORE threat Not advisable. By choosing to ignore, innocent lives are placed at risk. OR EVACUATE immediately Disruptive effect on the facility. A suspect may have placed the bomb at an exit normally used to evacuate and then called in the threat. OR EVALUATE the threat, SEARCH, and if necessary, EVACUATE Use all available indicators to make an informed evaluation. Conduct a search to determine whether evacuation may be warranted. If indicators are NOT present, then evacuation may not be necessary. Threat Indicators These are some possible indicators of a valid threat, but they are not inclusive. A decision to take action may cause you to consider additional indicators unique to the threat at your facility. t Suspect package present (to include obvious explosive device) t Suspicious person(s) in your facility t Signs of forced entry on windows or doors (indicating that someone may have made an unauthorized entry) t A note or message inside the facility indicating that the suspect may currently be or may have been inside the facility t Identify disgruntled individuals who may have a motive to disrupt your facility and the opportunity to place a bomb t Previous threats or actual explosive devices at your facility where the suspect(s) is/are not incarcerated 5 Canine Searches When to call for an explosive detection canine: Canines are best for use in searching for bombs and explosives in the following areas (but not limited to): t Locked containers, including school lockers t Searches for hidden compartments t Searches for concealed bombs and explosives t Large open areas t Vehicles Canines should not be used to evaluate packages already deemed suspicious. This endangers the canine handler as well as the canine. Once a package has been deemed suspicious, it is then the responsibility of a certified bomb technician. A canine could accidentally disturb a package causing injury to the handler and the canine. A suspicious package may not be explosive in nature but contain other hazardous items. A canine may not recognize this hazard. 6 Search Teams When possible use more than one person in each search team no matter how large the area. Designate a search team leader. Who should conduct searches? SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL Positive benefits: Rapid search, little disruption Negative impact: May create employee morale problems and may sacrifice thoroughness OR AREA OCCUPANTS Positive benefits: Thoroughness, rapid search, less disruption to workday, positive effect on morale (when properly trained) Negative benefits: Requires training, increased danger to workers OR TRAINED EXPLOSIVE SEARCH TEAMS Positive benefits: Safest for employees Negative benefits: Loss of production time for facility, search may be limited and less thorough because law enforcement not as familiar with facility as area occupants Outdoor Searches Always remember common areas and areas readily accessible to the public may be prime locations for the placement of explosive devices. These locales may be good starting points for the search. The following contains only basic search techniques, and is not meant to include all possible searches: Grid Pattern Searches The Two-person Grid Pattern Search is one of the more common search methods and utilizes overlapping techniques. Have a team leader identify the area to be searched outside the building. Line up at each end of the search pattern in 45-degree angles from each other. Conduct the search side by side from one end of the search area to the opposite end, turn and repeat the process until the area is covered. 7 A second search with the team members alternating their positions provides for additional thoroughness. In areas where little cover for a bomb is present, the search may be expedited by increasing the width of coverage for each member of the search team. Where to Search t Trash containers, motor vehicles, shrubs, manholes, sewers, trees, flower boxes, and building ledges are possible locations that could conceal a bomb. t Look for fresh dirt or disturbed mulch around the shrubbery that could indicate a bomb has been concealed in the ground. Also don't forget to look up. t Be mindful that bombs could be placed in or near evacuation routes. Two-person Grid Pattern Search 8 Indoor Searches Care should be taken not to turn on/off lights, as some explosive devices can be built to function with a light switch. As the team enters the room, the members should disperse to various areas of the room and listen for ticking associated with clockwork mechanisms used in timed explosives. The group also should note the background noise level. Prepare for Search The team leader should: t Divide the room into two equal parts using an imaginary division line. t Divide the room into at least three different height search areas: Floor to waist Hip to shoulder Shoulder to ceiling In the case of a suspended ceiling, a fourth area above the suspended ceiling 9 Conduct Search t Both search team members should go to one end of the room division line and begin from a back to back position. This starting point should be used for each successive searching sweep. t Each person searches his/her way around the wall area of the room from floor to waist height, working toward the other person. When both members of the search team meet, a "wall sweep" has been completed. t Return to starting position and conduct a "hip-to-shoulder sweep" followed by a "shoulder-to-ceiling sweep" using the same procedures. A second search with the team members alternating previous search areas provides additional thoroughness. t As the search is conducted, be mindful of area rugs, ventilation ducts on the floor, walls and ceiling, light fixtures, built-in cabinetry, trash containers and furniture. t Once the search of one area is completed, mark the area as "searched" either by placing a piece of tape or paper on the entranceway so as to prevent duplication of the search effort for other teams. Then proceed to the next search area if applicable. 10 Suspicious Item Located t Do not disturb the item t Do not move it t Do not place the item in water t Do not cover the item t Do not continue to search for secondary devices t Discontinue search t Leave immediately t Evacuate the building. Identify the danger area and block it off with a clear zone. Use a 1,000-foot evacuation distance if avail able or a minimum 300 feet with shielding, such as buildings or natural dirt barriers. Stay away from glass windows and doors. t Report the location and a description of the suspicious item to the command center. t Leave the doors and windows open to the area unless public access to the area needs to be restricted (ie: public schools or businesses where locking or closing the doors may be necessary to prevent inadvertent or curious onlookers from entering). t Return to the command center and meet with public safety personnel for debriefing. t Do not permit re-entry into the building until the item has been cleared by public safety personnel. 11 Evacuation Prior to evacuation, check the evacuation route(s) for other explosives or hazards that could cause injury. Handicap Evacuation Special consideration should be given to evacuees who may be handicap or have disabilities. As a bomb incident plan is developed, review the proposed plan with individuals with disabilities to ensure their special needs are addressed in cases of evacuation. Evacuation Distances Evacuation distances can be expanded as needed. The size of the bomb may warrant increasing the evacuation distance. As a general rule: t Evacuate to a minimum distance of 1,000 feet and use shielding, such as a building or other hard structure between evacuees and the suspicious item. Natural or manmade dirt berms also may be used as shielding. t In cases where 1,000 feet is not feasible, use the greatest distance available with shielding between the evacuees and the suspicious item. t Stay away from glass windows and glass doors. 12 Communications In cases of entry by an intruder with a suspicious package, use whatever form of communication necessary to contact public safety personnel. Then follow the guidance of the local emergency 911 center and local public safety agency. Hazardous Forms of Communication t Cellular telephones: Turn off all cellular phones within 1,000 feet of a suspicious item. t Cordless telephones: Never use a cordless phone in the presence of a potential explosive device. Walkie Talkies or radios: Do not transmit or talk on walkie talkies or radios. If possible, turn them off unless it is necessary to listen without transmitting. t Pagers: Turn off pagers that transmit messages. Pagers that "receive only" may be left on. Safer Forms of Communication t Verbal communication t Visual signals: Hand signals, colored flags or paper t Telephones using a hard-wire system t Bull horns t Public address systems that have hard-wire links 13 14 GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION P.O. BOX 370808 DECATUR, GA 30037-0808 www.ganet.org/gbi