Bomb Threat Planning Considerations

e. Political bombings in recent decades have presented the most serious

threat to society.

(1) Terrorists use bombings as a tool to call attention to and

publicize their cause. They do so to show the weakness or helplessness of

governments. They may do so to extort money, supplies, or the freeing of

political prisoners.

Bombing government offices destroys records and

(2) Political bombings are psychological tools.

f. Civil rights disputes all over the US since the early sixties

resulted in bombing attacks. These attacks took place on schools, churches,

residents, and prominent persons.

5.

Bomb Threat Planning Considerations.

a. Preventive Measures. As stated before, there are many motives and

techniques used in bombings. Preventive measures, then, must provide useful

guidance in a crisis and cover a variety of cases. The person responsible

for the bomb threat plan must consider the three things needed for a

successful bombing:

(a) Ability to make and detonate an explosive device.

(b) Access to raw materials or explosives.

(c) Opportunity to place the bomb at the desired target.

Special attention must be given to (c), because this is the one area in

which a law enforcing organization has the best chance to discourage a bomb

incident. Enough preventive measures and physical security precautions must

be established. Then, the opportunity to obtain explosives and place bombs

will be reduced.

Also, a good bomb threat plan and a well-rehearsed

procedure for handling them and incidents will reduce the chances of a bomb

being detonated. See Appendix A for a sample format to be distributed and

used to record valuable information relating to bomb threat calls.

This

documentation may provide clues and other useful data for security

personnel.

b. Physical Security Measures.

FM 19-30 presents a discussion of

physical security measures. These measures may be used to limit the chance

of this organization or facility experiencing a bomb threat. Such measures

include but are not limited to the following:

(1) Having a workable personnel ID and control system.

(2) Having a package and material control system.

(3) Maintaining strict control of locks and keys.

(4) Having enough perimeter barrier and lighting systems.

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