Bomb threats are rare at Tulane University, but, they do occur. Bomb threats are usually received by telephone. The call is usually short in duration and the caller usually refuses to answer any questions. None-the-less, the caller should be pushed for additional information, as it will be very helpful in the threat analysis that has to be made very quickly.
It is important that you obtain as much information as possible from the caller. Try to write down the exact words used by the caller.
It is an unnerving experience for anyone to receive a telephone threat. But there are ways to minimize personal fear and still concentrate on gathering information that may help law enforcement personnel to identify the person making the threat.
The first step is to realize that virtually any employee could receive such a call. The second step is to be aware that careful procedures have been developed to counter such threats and to arrest and convict the callers.
See below for some procedures that may help you focus on noting the important information provided by the caller, and some questions that you should ask in such a situation:
Telephone number threat was received on:
In house line (single ring) or Outside line (double ring)
Exact time of call:
Exact words of caller:
Ask the following:
When will the bomb explode?
Where is the bomb?
What does it look like?
What kind of bomb is it?
What is your name?
What is your address?
Where are your calling from?
Why did you place the bomb?
Make special note of the following:
Caller's voice (calm, excited, disguised, accent, etc.)
Caller's sex
Caller's approximate age (determined by voice)
Was the voice familiar to you?
Was there any background music?
Your name:
Date:
Immediately Call the TUHSC Police Department at 988-5555 if you receive a bomb threat.
Do not panic!
The TUHSC Police will assist in searching the area. The assistance of office personnel may be requested in identifying items or packages that may be unusual to the area. TUHSC Police will work closely with administration to determine if the evacuation of any buildings is necessary. Several factors will have to be evaluated before such an evacuation is conducted. If you are instructed to evacuate a building, exit the building through the nearest exit and move to a safe area away from the building. TUHSC Police will notify other agencies and departments as needed to assist with the searching and removal of suspicious packages. Bomb threats are usually made to disrupt business, classes, examinations or daily routines. The likelihood of an actual bomb being placed is extremely rare. However, TUHSC Police treats every threat seriously and will investigate all threat thoroughly.
The Communicating of false information of planned bomb is a violation of Louisiana Criminal code. See Revised Statute section RS 14-54.1. Whoever commits the crime of communicating of false information of arson or attempted arson shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than twenty years.
