DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
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OFFICE SYMBOL                                                                                      Date

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

SUBJECT:  Bomb Threat Standard Operating Procedure

1.	Purpose:  To outline procedures and responsibilities to follow in the event of a bomb threat directed against assigned personnel, government material, and/or equipment.

2.	Scope:  This SOP applies to all assigned or attached personnel.

3.	Procedures:  

a.	If any individual receives a telephonic bomb threat, he/she will immediately initiate the following steps:

(1)	Remain calm, courteous, and DO NOT interrupt the caller.

(2)	Use the Bomb Threat Checklist (see Appendix 1).  This checklist is self-explanatory and should be posted in the immediate vicinity of each phone within the area.

(3)	Gain the attention of your immediate supervisor or someone in the immediate vicinity by some signal while the caller is still on the telephone.

(4)	Upon understanding the signal, the supervisor will immediately notify installation while the caller is still on the telephone.  A call will then be placed to the Military Police (MP).

b.	Commanders and section supervisors will direct the evacuation of the area following these steps:

(1)	Inform personnel of the situation and instruct them to remain calm.  Direct all personnel toward the nearest exit in an orderly and expeditious manner.

(2)	Inform personnel to visually check their area of work during the evacuation and to report any suspicious packages/devices or anything out of place.  Instruct personnel not to touch such objects.

(3)	Ensure that all personnel have evacuated the area and maintain a clear distance of at least 900 feet.  Prevent entry into the building or area.

(4)	Direct evacuated personnel to report back to their work areas once the all clear command has been given by the MPs.

c.	Tests:  Commanders/Directorates and supervisors will conduct periodic bomb threat tests to ensure that assigned personnel are familiar with these procedures.  Tests will be recorded and filed to show that such training has been accomplished.

d.	Bomb Threat Officer will accomplish the following steps:

(1)	Establish 2-man teams composed of persons assigned to and familiar with the facility to be searched.  Preferably, these personnel should be volunteers.

(2)	Conduct a search of the facility along with the Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) team.

(3)	Determine when a bomb threat has been cleared and personnel can return to their normal duties.

(4)	Release what information will leave the bomb scene area to PAO only.

e.	Bomb Threat Search Teams will accomplish the following steps:

(1)	Clear the threat area completely and evacuate all nonessential personnel.

(2)	If a suspicious item is located, DO NOT TOUCH THE DEVICE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!

(3)	If a device is located, there may be more than one.  Discontinue the search until EOD personnel arrive to supervise.

(4)	The following measures may be taken to reduce damages ONLY if EOD determines that time allows:

(a)	Disconnect or shut off any gas lines leading to the facility.

(b)	Open windows and doors.

(c)	Remove items which may add to the explosive force; i.e., gasoline, lubricants, paints, etc.

(d)	Sandbag the area around the device but never place any item on the device itself.

(e)	Evacuate personnel further than the 300-meter range, preferably behind a windowless structure.

NOTE:  Personnel assigned duties should be trained on procedures of the search, what to do if an explosive device is discovered, etc.

Encl	FIRST M. LAST
Annex A - Bomb Threat Checklist	XXX, XX
	Commanding

DISTRIBUTION:

ANNEX 1 (BOMB THREAT CHECKLIST) TO BOMB THREAT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

1.	Time and date reported:

2.	How reported:

3.	Age:

4.	Length of call:

5.	Number at which call was received:

6.	Questions to ask:

a.	When is the bomb going to explode?

b.	Where is it right now

c.	What does it look like

d.	What kind of bomb is it

e.	What will cause it to explode

f.	Did you place the bomb

f.	Why?

h.	What is your name?

i.	What is your address?

j.	Where are you calling from?                               

7.	Caller’s voice:	Calm		Soft		Normal
Angry		Loud		Nasal
Excited	Distinct	Crying
Slow		Slurred		Laughter
Rapid		Stutter		Lisp
Raspy		Deep		Incoherent
Disguised	Whispered	Crackling Voice
Foreign	Accent		Clearing Throat
Familiar	Deep Breathing
**If the voice is familiar, who does it sound like?                     

8.	Background sounds:	Street Noises	Crockery
			Voices		House Noises				Clear			Static
			Long Distance	Local	
			Machinery		Office	
			Music			PA System					Animals		Motors	

9.	Threat language:		English:  Yes/No	
				Other:                           
				Well Spoken
				Incoherent		
				Foul
				Taped	
				Irrational   
				Deliberate
				Message read by threat maker

10.	IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR AND ATTEMPT TO TRACE THE CALL THROUGH THE OPERATOR WHILE THE CALLER IS STILL ON THE LINE, THEN NOTIFY THE MILITARY POLICE AT 911.

11.	Place this checklist by each telephone within the organization.