Bomb Threats.

The majority of bomb threats are typically false alarms intended to cause fear and disorder.

In addition to the infrequent genuine bomb threats, terrorists may also use false threats to spread fear.

While many bomb threats are conveyed through direct phone calls, an increasing number are now transmitted electronically via email or social media platforms. Irrespective of how unrealistic or improbable the threat may seem, all such communications are unlawful and should be reported to the authorities by dialing 999. It is essential to have established procedures for documenting, addressing, and notifying the police about any threats.

Evaluating the credibility of a threat is vital, particularly when there is a warning of an imminent attack. This strategy is commonly used to exert pressure on decision-makers. The police will assess the threat promptly.

The responsibility for making initial decisions lies with the individual in charge of the polling station or counting office (the site under threat). Do not delay decisions until the police arrive. Available options include evacuating, securing the premises, or if the threat is deemed not credible, informing the police and conducting a search for suspicious items on the premises.

Telephone Bomb Threat

• Stay calm and listen - alert a colleague to call 999.

• Allow the caller to speak uninterrupted.

• Obtain as much information as possible about the caller, including the caller’s number if possible.

• Try to get the caller to be precise about location and timing of the alleged bomb and who they represent.

• Write down what is said, what location is being targeted and how. Record the message if possible.

• After the call dial 1471 to obtain the caller number where possible.

Email Bomb Threats

• Do not reply, forward or delete a bomb threat made via email.

• Note the address and print off a hard copy.

• Preserve all web log files - as a guide 7 days prior and 48 hours after the receipt of the threat message.

Social Media Bomb Threats

• Do not reply, forward or delete a bomb threat made via social media.

• Note which application has been used and any username/ID.

In all cases

• Complete 'Actions to be Taken on Receipt of a Bomb Threat' pro-forma/checklist at the end of this section.

• Avoid revealing details about specific incidents to the media or through social media without prior consultation with police.

Unattended Items

Use the HOT protocol to inform your judgement:

Is it HIDDEN ?

• Has the item been deliberately concealed or is it obviously hidden from view?

Is it OBVIOUSLY suspicious ?

• Does it have wires, circuit boards, batteries, tape, liquids or putty-like substances visible?

• Do you think the item poses an immediate threat to life?

Is it TYPICAL ?

• Is the item typical of what you would expect to find in this location?

The Four C's

• CONFIRM - Using the HOT protocol CONFIRM the item is suspicious.

• CLEAR - make sure you CLEAR the are 100m for a briefcase size 200m for a small vehicle 400m for a large vehicle

• COMMUNICATE - We need to get the emergency services on site as fast as possible and thei should be done directly so we can answer any questions. When calling them its important to remember we need to be 15m away from the device so as not to accidentaly trigger it.

• CONTROL - We then need to control the situation, call the emergency services and inform our control room of the incident and then wait until the emergency services arrive on scene and brief them as to what you have found.

We should also keep any witnesses on site as well so that they can confirm what was seen, said or heard.

What to do when the emergency services arrive.

Up to the point the emergency services arrive we (security) are in control, we will have conducted the HOT protocol and put the Four C's in to place.

When the emergency services arive we will hand ove control to them but we must remail on scene to provide outer cordon control and to be on hand to answer any questions they might have.

Post incident

It is crucial to remember to write our notes up into a comprehensive incident report as soon as possible to ensure the information remains fresh in our memory.

And If necessary, discussing the incident with a manager or colleague is advisable to prevent any issue's such as PTSD and anxiety escalating and avoid it evolving into a bigger problem.