Education and Background

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BOMB THREAT PROTOCOLS FOR SCHOOLS GARY L. SIGRIST, JR.

Educational Leadership Education and Background Safeguard Risk Solutions Crisis Management President

School Safety plans that are NIMS compliant using ICS In-service Training 8th Grade Science Teacher

1 BOMB THREAT PROTOCOLS FOR SCHOOLS GARY L. SIGRIST, JR. Education and Background Ohio University 1982 BS Elementary Education University of Dayton 1988 MS Educational Leadership Education and Background Safeguard Risk Solutions Crisis Management President and CEO Safety Project Director South-Western City Schools Monitor Homeland Security Grant Develop School Safety plans that are NIMS compliant using ICS In-service Training 8th Grade Science Teacher Administrative Teacher Leader Science Department Head Sight Based Steering Committee Police Officer 23 years Patrol Detective Franklin University Adjunct Professor 1

Specialized Training Hostage Negotiator Critical Incident Stress Management Gang Intelligence Workplace/School Violence Quick Action Deployment (QUAD) DHS LASER Instructor Stranger Abducted Children

2 Specialized Training Hostage Negotiator Critical Incident Stress Management Gang Intelligence Workplace/School Violence Quick Action Deployment (QUAD) DHS LASER Instructor Stranger Abducted Children A.L.i.C.E. Instructor Threat Assessment Liability Issues-Schools Juvenile Sex Crime Investigations State Certified School Resource Officer Hostage/Suicide Intervention in the Schools Active Shooter Core Criminal Investigation Training DHS S.P.O.T. Instructor FEMA Multi-Hazards for Schools Training Goal Our goal is to develop a protocol for dealing with Bomb Threats that accomplishes two things: Protects students, staff, and assets Minimizes the disruption of the school day or school events Schools and First Responders Cops own the crime, fire owns the flames, and schools own the students Just as schools cannot develop Emergency Operation Plans without the assistance of First Responders, Bomb Threat Management requires schools and First Responders to work together 2

Schools and First Responders Cops own the crime, fire owns the flames, and schools own the students Although First Responders will advise on when to evacuate and when it is safe to re-enter the

3 Schools and First Responders Cops own the crime, fire owns the flames, and schools own the students Although First Responders will advise on when to evacuate and when it is safe to re-enter the school, the ultimate decision will be made by school personnel with input from First Responders. In the event of a actual or suspected device, the school should isolate the device and evacuate the area before First Responders arrive. Prevention and Harm Reduction Developing a bomb threat response plan. Developing a threat reporting system. Conduct a SVA to make it more difficult for someone to plant a device. Control access to the school building and premises. Clear rules and consequences for weapons on school grounds. Fostering a positive school climate, free of aggression. Identifying troubled children, bullies and victims of targeted violence. Reaching out to parents. Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Immediate Response Are the schools in your locality aware of the problem of bomb threats and their possible consequences? Does the school have a bomb-threat response plan? Does the school district and the local community have a disaster plan? 3

Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Preventive Response Does the school have a climate of respect and clear and consistent rules of behavior?

Does the school keep a record of violent incidents that occur in and around the school (including school buses)?

Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Preventive Response Does the school have effective intervention programs in place to deal with problem behaviors, including bullying?

4 Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Preventive Response Does the school have a climate of respect and clear and consistent rules of behavior? Does the school keep a record of threats by students or teachers that are not reported to the police? ALL THREATS SHOULD BE REPORTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT! Does the school keep a record of violent incidents that occur in and around the school (including school buses)? Is there a system among teachers for sharing information concerning serious threats or targeted violence? Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Preventive Response Does the school have effective intervention programs in place to deal with problem behaviors, including bullying? Does the school have a process for receiving and responding to student grievances? Does the school have an up-to-date telephone monitoring system? Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Preventive Response Are teachers in the schools aware of the warning signs of targeted violence? Do troubled students (potential victims and offenders) have a way to express their concerns to appropriate adults such as counselors or designated teachers? Does the school monitor student activities in and out of the classroom, on school buses and at sporting activities? Does the school have a mechanism for identifying troubled children? 4

Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Threats How many bomb threats at schools have been made? If there is a rash of threats, do some schools report more threats than others?

Does the school have a procedure for evaluating the seriousness of threats?

What kinds of threats are received and do they vary according to type or location of school? What proportion of threats turn out to be hoaxes or pranks?

5 Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Threats How many bomb threats at schools have been made? If there is a rash of threats, do some schools report more threats than others? If threats are received, are they targeted against any individuals (as in retaliation against bullies, for example) or are they unspecified? Does the school have a procedure for evaluating the seriousness of threats? Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Threats When a threat is reported to the police, how serious is the threat and what type is the threat? What kinds of threats are received and do they vary according to type or location of school? What proportion of threats turn out to be hoaxes or pranks? Is there a way for bystanders who hear of threats or observe targeted violence to report such behavior to school authorities? Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Munitions Are there reports of weapons use by juveniles either in school or elsewhere? Do hardware stores or other retail outlets notify police of unusual purchases of substances that may be used for bomb construction? Are there isolated areas in your locality where juveniles might experiment with bomb detonation? 5

6 Looking at Bomb Threats from a local perspective The School Location and Times Which schools have been the target of bomb threats? Does your town have a graffiti problem that indicates problems of racism or other kinds of hatred and does it extend to any schools? Are all incidents of arson or school breakins reported to the police? If not, why not? If so, are they followed up to see if they indicate possible bomb threats or incidents? Do incidents of arson, graffiti, school breakins or bomb threats occur in particular schools or particular areas? If targeted violence and threats are reported, in what locations in the schools do they occur? Are there hot spots such as a locker room, a cafeteria, particular bathrooms, a particular classroom? Are there particular times of the day or days of the week when bomb threats more commonly occur? What assumptions do we make about handling a bomb threat or suspicious item? Are most bomb threats real or fake? According to Homeland Security s analysis of bomb threats in the United States, only 2-5% result in something being found. All threats MUST be treated as REAL! The Threats Hoax Caller Malevolent Individual Terrorist Disruption of Operations Intimidation Amusement Crime Concealment Extortion Grievance Activism Political Impact Racial/Ethnic/Religious Hatred Retaliation Reduction of casualties First responder assets associated with response efforts Monetary losses associated with decreased patronage Psychological effect associated with facility(decreased patronage) Furtherance of perpetrators strategic goals Although the percentage of actually finding a device at a bomb threat is small, the threat is always REAL. 6

FBI Classification of Threat Levels Low Level of Threat: A threat that poses a minimal risk to the victim and public safety. Threat is vague and indirect.

. Content of the threat suggests person is unlikely to carry it out. Threat is made by young child (under 9 or 10) and there is laughter in the background.

7 FBI Classification of Threat Levels Low Level of Threat: A threat that poses a minimal risk to the victim and public safety. Threat is vague and indirect. Information contained within the threat is inconsistent, implausible or lacks detail. Threat lacks realism. FBI Classification of Threat Levels Low Level of Threat: continued.. Content of the threat suggests person is unlikely to carry it out. Threat is made by young child (under 9 or 10) and there is laughter in the background. The caller is definitely known and has called numerous times. FBI Classification of Threat Levels Medium Level of Threat: A threat that could be carried out, although it may not appear entirely realistic. Threat is more direct and more concrete than a low-level threat. Wording in the threat suggests that the offender has given some thought to how the act will be carried out. There may be a general indication of a possible place and time (though these signs still fall well short of a detailed plan). 7

8 FBI Classification of Threat Levels Medium Level of Threat: A threat that could be carried out, although it may not appear entirely realistic. There is no strong indication that the offender has taken preparatory steps, although there may be some veiled reference or ambiguous or inconclusive evidence pointing to that possibility an allusion to a book or movie that shows the planning of a violent act, or a vague, general statement about the availability of weapons. There may be a specific statement seeking to convey that the threat is not empty: I m serious! or I really mean this! FBI Classification of Threat Levels High Level of Threat: A threat that appears to pose an imminent and serious danger to the safety of others. Threat is direct, specific and plausible. For example, This is John Smith, I m fed up with Mr. Jones yelling at me. There s a bomb under his desk. Threat suggests concrete steps have been taken toward carrying it out, for example, statements indicating that the offender has acquired or practiced with a weapon or has had the intended victim under surveillance. Identifying Risks Lacks Realism LOW RISK How threat was received: Indirect/vague Location of threat: Characteristics of caller Note discovered Written on wall Identification and frequency of threat Ability to carry out threat is questionable Threat is feasible Sufficient detail: MEDIUM RISK More credible than low risk. Increased specifity inherent in threat Time and place Indication of device size Indication of details regarding availability of components used to build device. HIGH RISK Specificity to the degree of naming individuals as possible victims The caller identifies themselves or affiliation. Detailed knowledge of device and/or facility. Specifies the location and time of detonation. Threat is relative to current events. 8

You have a Bomb Threat Capture the threat Call 9-1-1 Activate your bomb threat procedures Begin Threat Analysis Capturing the

Suspicious Package Possible Courses of Action Shelter in Place Initiate evacuation procedures Total evacuation Partial

9 You have a Bomb Threat Capture the threat Call Activate your bomb threat procedures Begin Threat Analysis Capturing the Threat Telephone Note Internet based platforms or social networking sites Drawing 3rd Party News media Police Suspicious Package Possible Courses of Action Shelter in Place Initiate evacuation procedures Total evacuation Partial evacuation Affected area evacuation Phased evacuation Initiate search procedures Initiate a combination of search and evacuation procedures 9

What assumptions do we make about handling a bomb threat or suspicious item? If a bomb threat has been received, who is normally responsible for searching a facility?

If there is something that may be suspicious, we act on their suspicions. Administrators and custodians will search common areas. Is something suspicious or unattended?

10 What assumptions do we make about handling a bomb threat or suspicious item? If a bomb threat has been received, who is normally responsible for searching a facility? Staff They know their own area and can better identify something that may be out of place. We are not asking them to search for bombs. If there is something that may be suspicious, we act on their suspicions. Administrators and custodians will search common areas. Is something suspicious or unattended? Is the item at or near a potential target? Has there been any bomb threats or intelligence regarding a bomb threat? Has there been any recent suspicious activity? Was the item hidden or attempted to be hidden? Is it located near a high traffic area? Is the item unusual for its surroundings? Only if the answers to ALL of the above questions are NO should you consider the item to be an unattended item. At any point during the examination of the item you become suspicious, treat the item as suspicious. When in doubt-it s suspicious. Let the professionals sort it out! Suspicious or Unattended? 10

11 Suspicious or Unattended? The Decision to Evacuate Evacuation only plan Assumes that safety of personnel is prime consideration Circumvents calculated risk Can significantly effect operations Time until stated detonation of device Receipt of threat by Police or Fire Decision to evacuate in certain instances may not be negotiable Actionable intelligence may necessitate immediate evacuation Prominent subversive group linked to recent bombings Threat evaluation Stand-Off Distance 11

12 Indoors vs. Outdoors It may be safer to stay inside after a threat! Contrary to past practices, it is often better not to evacuate in the event of a bomb threat, even if a device is found. And, if the threat is not credible and no device is found, in makes more sense not to evacuate. Bath, Michigan May 18, 1927 Should we evacuate? 12

the staff and students were moved to a safe area

Once First Responders cleared a safe route and

13 Should we evacuate? Should we evacuate? Based on the type of device and the location, the staff and students were moved to a safe area of the building. Once First Responders cleared a safe route and swept a safe location at a nearby building, staff and students were moved. Is evacuation the first and best option? Sometimes Maybe What factors will influence the decision to evacuate? 13

Best Practices for Evacuation Move all students in the building as far away from

Wait for First Responders to decide safe passage and reunification site.

Advised by First Responders The threat is viewed as credible and there is a greater

14 Best Practices for Evacuation Move all students in the building as far away from the possible device. Wait for First Responders to decide safe passage and reunification site. We evacuate immediately when. Advised by First Responders The threat is viewed as credible and there is a greater threat inside of the building than outside of the building. Before moving students and staff to the stadium both the route to the stadium and the stadium was checked by First Responders for secondary devices. 14

Relations Lunch Reunification A Brief Exercise A student walks into the school office and reports that he found a suspicious device in the boy s bathroom.

15 The Incident Commander Know your district s Bomb Threat Protocol before the threat. A Bomb Threat is a crime. You must call Know who to call after you have called Once First Responders are on the scene you are in Unified Command District Incident Commander Mass Notification System Media Relations Lunch Reunification A Brief Exercise A student walks into the school office and reports that he found a suspicious device in the boy s bathroom. A staff member confirms that there is a device that looks like a bomb in the bathroom. What are the initial actions of key staff and students? Call Immediately Move students and class quickly away for the boy s restroom Put the building in a Stay Put Contact the Deputy Superintendent s office 15

A Brief Exercise Who is in charge before First Responders arrive? The Building Incident Commander Who is in charge after First Responders arrive?

16 A Brief Exercise Who is in charge before First Responders arrive? The Building Incident Commander Who is in charge after First Responders arrive? We are now in Unified Command LE/FD are in charge of the scene. Building IC is in charge of the students and staff Do we immediately evacuate the building? No Work with First Responders What should be done before an evacuation? A clear path must be determined by First Responders Who determines when it is safe to go back inside the building? The ultimate decision to return to the building will be made by the school with input from First Responders Yik Yak and Bomb Threats Combines functions of GPS and Twitter Connect within groups 1.5 mile radius Anonymous Bulletin Board Geofencing can disable the ability to use in school by fencing off GPS Today s equivalent of a threat made from a payphone Low Risk Yik Yak and Bomb Threats Lacks Realism How threat was received: Indirect/vague Location of threat: Characteristics of caller Note discovered Written on wall Identification and frequency of threat Ability to carry out threat is questionable Combines functions of GPS and Twitter Connect within groups 1.5 mile radius Anonymous Bulletin Board Geofencing can disable the ability to use in school by fencing off GPS Today s equivalent of a threat made from a payphone Low Risk 16

17 Summary Have a plan and know your plan Work with First Responders Treat all Bomb Threats as real Bomb Threat Checklist Call Threat Assessment Immediate evacuation of the building should not be an immediate priority, but if a you suspect a device is present, isolate and evacuate the area immediately Summary Staff check their areas for suspicious packages Administrators and custodians check common areas for suspicious or unattended packages Once First Responders are on scene we are in Unified Command Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Problem- Specific Guides Series No. 32 Bomb Threats for Schools IED Awareness Bomb Threat Management DHS-MITG-260 IED Search Procedures DHS-MTG-260 Sgt. Rick Hardy, GCPD Battalion Chief Steve Saltsman, CFD Questions? 17

18 Thank you for attending today s conference!!! Gary L. Sigrist, Jr gary@safeguardrisksolutions.com Please contact me by if you would like a copy of this presentation or stop and see me at Booth

19 Clear Public Relations Return to School Return to School Clear Public Relations Return to School Bomb Incident Flow Chart Assess Evacuate Search Suspicious Package First Responders Clear Return to School Bomb Threat Search Evacuation Routes Clear Return to School Search without Evacutation Evacuation Bomb Incident Suspicious Package First Responders Assess Suspicious Package Search Evacuation Routes Evacuate First Responders Clear Public Relations

20 BOMB THREAT CALL PROCEDURES Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain information with the checklist on the reverse of this card. If a bomb threat is received by phone: 1. Remain calm. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does. 2. Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest. 3. Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information. 4. If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself. 5. If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display. 6. Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist (reverse side) immediately. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to get exact words. 7. Immediately upon termination of the call, do not hang up, but from a different phone, contact FPS immediately with information and await instructions. If a bomb threat is received by handwritten note: Call Handle note as minimally as possible. If a bomb threat is received by Call Do not delete the message. Signs of a suspicious package: No return address Poorly handwritten Excessive postage Misspelled words Stains Incorrect titles Strange odor Foreign postage Strange sounds Restrictive notes Unexpected delivery DO NOT: Use two-way radios or cellular phone; radio signals have the potential to detonate a bomb. Evacuate the building until police arrive and evaluate the threat. Activate the fire alarm. Touch or move a suspicious package. WHO TO CONTACT (select one) Follow your local guidelines Federal Protective Service (FPS) Police FPS-411 ( ) 911 BOMB THREAT CHECKLIST Date: Time Caller Hung Up: Ask Caller: Where is the bomb located? (Building, Floor, Room, etc.) When will it go off? What does it look like? What kind of bomb is it? What will make it explode? Did you place the bomb? Yes No Why? What is your name? Time: Phone Number Where Call Received: Exact Words of Threat: Information About Caller: Where is the caller located? (Background and level of noise) Estimated age: Is voice familiar? If so, who does it sound like? Other points: Caller s Voice Background Sounds: Threat Language: Accent Animal Noises Incoherent Angry House Noises Message read Calm Kitchen Noises Taped Clearing throat Street Noises Irrational Coughing Booth Profane Cracking voice PA system Well-spoken Crying Conversation Deep Music Deep breathing Motor Disguised Clear Distinct Static Excited Office machinery Female Factory machinery Laughter Local Lisp Long distance Loud Male Other Information: Nasal Normal Ragged Rapid Raspy Slow Slurred Soft Stutter

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FLIPCHART READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY. THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN!

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FLIPCHART READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY. THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN! INTRODUCTION Emergencies and disasters are unpredictable and strike without warning. Failure