Campus Safety & Police Division

Bomb threats can be classified into two categories:

• The Hoax Caller: These threats are generally motivated to create an atmosphere of panic and chaos. Generally, the motive of these callers is to disrupt normal activities and operations to the location where the explosive device is alleged to be placed.
• The Credible Caller: this caller believes that an explosive device has been or will be placed, and he or she wants to warn of the threat to minimize personal injuries or property damage. The caller may be the person placing the bomb or someone who has become aware of information they believe to be credible.

What methods can I receive a bomb threat?

Most of the time, bomb threats occur over the phone, however these threats can also be made via letters, email, and suspicious packages.

• The Phone Threat: Telephone bomb threats are the most common. A person receiving a bomb threat by phone SHOULD NOT disconnect the caller. Keep the caller on the phone as long as possible and get as much information as possible. Once the call is finished report the call and information to University Police
  • Information you should obtain:
    • When will the bomb explode?
    • Where is the bomb located?
    • What kind of bomb is it?
    • Who is (are) the targets?
    • Who is the caller and how can he or she be reached?
    • Why was the bomb placed there?
• The Letter Threat: Bomb threats can be received via letter or in another form or writing. If you receive this correspondence, keep all materials and contact the University Police immediately. The person opening the letter should handle the document as little as possible.
• The E-mail Threat: E-mail is becoming a more and more frequent source of harassing communication. Although e-mail is not very private, experienced persons can create e-mail accounts under fictitious names and use public computers to send threats. A person receiving a bomb threat via e-mail should contact the University Police immediately. Do not delete the message.
• The Suspicious Package, Letter or Other Item: Any unusual object or even a strange vehicle should be immediately reported to University Police.

What do I do if I receive a bomb threat?

• Keep calm and keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask the caller to repeat the message. Record as many of the spoken words made by the person making the call as possible.
• Ask the caller for the exact location and time of possible detonation (if this information was not provided).
• Pay particular attention to any strange or peculiar noises, such as motors running, background music and type of music, and any other noises which might give even a remote clue as to the place from which the call is being made.
• Listen closely to the voice (male or female), quality of the voice (calm or excited), accents and speech impediments, DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE UNTIL THE CALLER HAS DISCONNECTED.
• Call University Police immediately when the call has been completed, giving as much information as possible. University Police will disseminate the information to the University Community.
• If the bomb threat is directed at your building, notify the Dean or other appropriate directors and proceed with an orderly evacuation of the building's occupants.
• Assemble an area away from the building or other location as directed by University Police.
• Preserve any written, electronic or recorded communications related to the bomb threat for investigation by University Police.