those people most likely to receive bomb threat calls be aware of correct telephone procedures.
During an actual bomb threat call, the receiver tends to be highly excited. Proper training must provide
the receiver with the ability to remain calm and be able to pick out the important facts.
Bomb threat phone call checklist should be readily available and filled out by the receiver (see Figure 2-
1). FBI Form 6-136 (Bomb Threat Checklist) is recommended by DA Pam 190-52. This is the right
size to fit under a phone. Other checklist may be used (see Figure 2-2) or a locally produced checklist
can be developed.
The exact wording of the bomb threat should be written down. For example, if the caller says,
"Specialist Smith, there is a bomb planted on your floor. You and your six co-workers have 20 minutes
to clear out," the receiver must note all that information. Otherwise, valuable evidence will have been
lost.
The receiver must note the exact date and time of the phone call. This may prove important in
discovering the location of the call. The receiver should attempt to elicit from the caller the following
information:
o The exact location of the bomb.
o The type of bomb.
o The type of explosives used.
o The description of the device.
o The reason for the bombing.
o Name and location of the caller.
o The time the device will detonate.
The caller may describe what the bomb looks like, how it operates, and its general characteristics. This
is what is known as a descriptive bomb threat. A descriptive bomb threat is often likely to be real.
The person making a bomb threat call could reveal enough information about himself for the receiver to
later identify him. For this reason, it is very important to keep the caller talking as long as possible.
This also increases the possibility of tracing the phone call.
Attempt to determine the sex, age, and mental attitude of the caller. Note any peculiarity of accent.
Note any background sounds. They may prove helpful in determining the caller's location.
If time permits, ask the caller who he is and where he is. In some instances, the caller may unthinkingly
reply.
2-7
MP2001
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