Bomb Threat

                    Typical Problem:                 A bomb threat may be received by telephone or in writing to one of the
                                                              administrative buildings or residence halls.            

                    Typical Informant:               Information Center Operator, Faculty or Staff Member.

                    Point Person:                      Chief of Police or Shift Commander

                    Typical Team Members:     Chief of Police or Shift Commander
                                                              Director of Physical Plant
                                                              Dean of Co-Curricular Life
                                                              Director of Residence Life
                                                              Vice President for Finance and Administration
                                                              Executive Director - Marketing and Communications

College Actions:
(Coordinated by Department of Safety)
  1. Keep caller on the line as long as possible. Write down all information obtained. Following information is vital:

    2. Exact time of call

    Detonation time

    Exact location

    Caller description from voice

    Background noises

    Exact wording of message

 
  1. Notify Department of Safety to respond to scene immediately to begin evacuation. Department of Safety to notify the other team members.
 
  1. The Department of Safety will notify and coordinate with Amherst Sheriff’s Office, State Police, and Amherst Fire Department.
 
  1. A perimeter of 300’ will be established from the building.
 
  1. Adjacent buildings will be evacuated where injuries could result from blast. Department of Safety will coordinate emergency response of other law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue operations, and assist with initial investigation, as needed.
 
  1. In time of severe weather, affected students, faculty and staff will be instructed to take temporary shelter in Prothro or the Gym.
 
  1. A thorough search will be conducted by the Department of Safety with assistance from Amherst Sheriff’s Deputies and/or the State Police.
 
  1. Should the search reveal negative results, the decision to allow people to return will be made by the Chief of Police or Shift Commander.
 
  1. The target building will remain vacant until the Chief of Police or Shift Commander has made an official announcement that it is safe for people to enter.
 
  1. Follow-up investigation will be conducted by the Department of Safety and other responding law enforcement agencies. Appropriate reports will be submitted.
 
  1. The Office of College Relations will be responsible for any media release information.
 
  1. Students, faculty, and/or staff in need of counseling services following the emergency will be referred to the Chaplain’s Office, the Health Center or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as appropriate.

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Page last updated on: 09 November, 2001
Sweet Briar College Department of Safety          http://www.police.sbc.edu