Checklist: Questions to Ask During a Bomb Threat Call

Arson and explosives are among the weaponized options in the arsenal of terrorists, criminals, anarchists, and the mentally unstable.

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ISIS and other terrorist entities continue to issue chilling calls for violence, urging radicalized supporters to use improvised explosive devices (IED), and/or set fire, to cause mayhem and damage churches and synagogues around the world.

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Regular propaganda communication to extremists includes bomb-making instructions and complex attack plans using multiple methods, such as fire, IEDs, firearms, and vehicle ramming.

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In the case of bomb threats to churches, several resources offer instructions on how to respond for anyone who answers the telephone. Proper planning for these incidents can reduce panic.

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    •  National Institute of Justice PDF – Telephone Bomb Threat Checklist

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    •  National Church Arson Task Force PDF – Threat Assessment Guide

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    •  Sheepdog Church Security article – Church Safety Threats Every Church Must Prepare For Now

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    •  ChurchAnswers.com article – Bomb Threats & Active Shooters: A Simple Plan for Church Safety

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    •  Public Safety Training LLC article – Responding to Bomb Threats in Church

[ Read the SemperVerus article, What You Should Know to Prepare for Mobs Invading Church Services ]

    •  Public Safety Training LLC PDF – Church Safety & Security Plan Emergency Preparedness Desk Reference

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Here are a few tips found in these resources:

•  When answering the phone from a caller making a bomb threat, a calm response increases the likelihood of obtaining additional information. Often, the bomber wants to avoid injuries or deaths. If the caller is told that the building is occupied and cannot be evacuated in time, the bomber may be willing to give more specific information on the bomb’s location.

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•  The caller is the best source of information about the bomb. Place a copy of the Bomb Threat Checklist by each telephone in your worship facility.

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•  Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask him/her to repeat the message. Write down every word spoken by the person.

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•  If the caller does not volunteer the location of the bomb, ask him/her where it is.

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•  Calmly inform the caller that the building is occupied and that people may be injured or killed.

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•  Listen for background noise, such as motors running, music playing, and any other sounds which may give a clue as to the location of the caller.

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•  In the case of on-site protocol, watch for suspiciously unattended containers (backpacks, duffle bags, briefcases, purses, etc.), especially if they’re left near high-traffic areas (children’s ministry, sanctuary, etc.).

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•  Do not touch, inspect, or move suspicious items. Keep people away, follow your church security procedures, and call for law enforcement.

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Questions to Ask During a Bomb Threat Call

1. When is the bomb going to explode?
2. Where is it right now?
3. What does it look like?
4. What kind of bomb is it?
5. What will cause it to explode?
6. Did you place the bomb?
7. Why?
8. What is your address?
9. What is your name?
10. Number caller is using: __________________________

EXACT WORDING OF THE THREAT:
 
 
Sex of caller:
Race:
Age:
Length of call:
Number at which call is received:
Time:
Date:

 
If the voice is familiar, who did it sound like?
 

 
REMARKS:
 
 
Report Call Immediately to Your Local Law Enforcement Dispatch:
Date:
Name:
Position:
Phone number:

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