Bomb Threat Training Crime Prevention Office University of Miami Police Department 5665 Ponce De Leon Boulevard Coral Gables, FL 33146

The Basics Most bomb threats are hoaxes and are primarily made to disrupt business operations. Authenticity will be made by management for the safety of people and property. Have a plan in place before a threat is received.

Notification Create a response plan tailored to the unit. Specifically taking into account the unique operations of the unit, its size and physical layout. In the event of a threat NOTIFY POLICE, OR SECURITY FOR YOUR CAMPUS IMMEDIATELY. The respective department will notify that campuses Crisis Decision Team and local police.

Bomb Threat Response Campus police or security will respond to the site to determine if any occupants are present and evacuate the building. Bomb Threats can be received in different forms (listed below), and should be taken seriously. Phone Email Mail Observation These threats can be specific or non-specific

IMMEDIATE Actions If a bomb threat is received it is important to know what to do: Individual Action: Remember details of conversation Foreign accent? Gender Innuendos as to bomb location Respond in a matter-of-fact manner, asking the caller to repeat what they said. IMMEDIATELY report the incident to your supervisor See bomb threat checklist

IMMEDIATE Actions…(continued) Supervisor Action: IMMEDIATELY report the incident to UM Police or Security Department Start building evacuation, and be sure each person is out of building Direct an orderly evacuation, if appropriate Protect official records, if possible Arrange to have members of staff to accompany emergency services on inspection If a suspicious object is found, DO NOT TOUCH! Keep a running log of conditions as they occur

Receiving a Bomb Threat Upon receipt of a bomb threat: Remain calm Listen carefully about what’s being said, for background noise or voices, and for an accent or other voice characteristics Always take the call seriously and do not interrupt the caller Ask the caller to repeat any part of the conversation you did not understand Obtain as much information as possible and write it down using the “Bomb Threat Report Form” Attempt to alert others to contact police while remaining on the line with the caller Inform the caller that detonation can cause injury or death to others Note the time of the call

Developing a Response Plan Each unit within the University must create a response plan, which UMPD is happy to assist with. The response plan should include: Formation of a Threat Response Team Assigned and defined team functions Establish an emergency team communications system Know available resources Have an understanding of emergency responders procedures On a consistent basis conduct a plan review and continually update Conduct training as needed Coordinate with neighboring units/departments

(https://www6.miami.edu/policies_procedures/UMPD/BSI-010.pdf) Following Procedure It is important to follow and familiarize yourself with the University’s Bomb Threat Procedures. (https://www6.miami.edu/policies_procedures/UMPD/BSI-010.pdf) More detail information on Bomb Threat Training and Procedures can be found on the University’s 2007 – Disaster Plan (https://www6.miami.edu/emergency/Disaster-Plans/2007-Disaster-Plan.pdf)

University of Miami Police Department www.miami.edu/police