Policy Text
Policy
414Fremont Police Department
Response to Bomb Calls
414.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to assist members of the Fremont Police
Department in their initial response to incidents involving explosives, explosive devices, explosion/
bombing incidents or threats of such incidents. Under no circumstances should these guidelines
be interpreted as compromising the safety of first responders or the public. When confronted with
an incident involving explosives, safety should always be the primary consideration.
414.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Fremont Police Department to place a higher priority on the safety of persons
and the public over damage or destruction to public or private property.
414.3 RECEIPT OF BOMB THREAT
Department members receiving a bomb threat should obtain as much information from the
individual as reasonably possible, including the type, placement and alleged detonation time of
the device.
If the bomb threat is received on a recorded line, reasonable steps should be taken to ensure that
the recording is preserved in accordance with established department evidence procedures.
The member receiving the bomb threat should ensure that the Watch Commander is immediately
advised and informed of the details. This will enable the Watch Commander to ensure that the
appropriate personnel are dispatched, and, as appropriate, the threatened location is given an
advance warning.
414.4 GOVERNMENT FACILITY OR PROPERTY
A bomb threat targeting a government facility may require a different response based on the
government agency.
414.4.1 FEDERAL BUILDING OR PROPERTY
If the bomb threat is against a federal building or property, the Federal Protective Service should
be immediately notified. The Federal Protective Service provides a uniformed law enforcement
response for most facilities, which may include use of its Explosive Detector Dog teams.
If the bomb threat is against a federal government property where the Federal Protective Service
is unable to provide a timely response, the appropriate facility’s security or command staff should
be notified.
Bomb threats against a military installation should be reported to the military police or other military
security responsible for the installation.
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Response to Bomb Calls
414.5 BOMB THREATS AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE FACILITIES
Whenever notification is received to the effect that a bomb or explosive exists within the City, the
person receiving the call shall immediately notify the Watch Commander, Fire Department, and
the field supervisor, and shall take the following actions:
(a)Two officers shall be dispatched immediately to the scene using radio code 10-62T.
(b)The field supervisor will respond to the location of the reported incident and will keep
the Watch Commander appraised of the situation.
(c)Additional units will be sent to the scene only after being requested by the field
supervisor or the officer in charge at the scene.
(d)In the event of a bomb threat of any official city, county, state or federal facility or
any other place where there is a possibility that employees may be using a radio
system, Police Communications Dispatchers will advise the R/P that use of Radio
Communications should cease until advised otherwise by officers at the scene.
(e)In the event a bomb threat is received via phone to the Police Department
regarding another location, whether private or public buildings, Police Communication
Dispatchers shall, at their earliest opportunity, notify the off-site location of the threat.
1.The Communication Dispatcher when contacting the off-site location shall
attempt contact with a site manager or owner. Information shall be given
regarding the received threat and that officers are being dispatched for
assistance. No information should be given over the phone that would cause the
on-site manager to panic or that would be in violation of this policy.
In any event where an explosive and/or a suspected explosive device is located, the supervisor
at the scene shall immediately request that Communications contact the County Bomb Disposal
Unit for assistance. The County Bomb Disposal Unit can be reached at 510-351-2020. In the
event the County Bomb Disposal Unit cannot respond within a reasonable time, Communications
shall immediately request Law Enforcement Mutual Aid from the Office of Emergency Services.
The OES can be reached during normal business hours at 925-803-7800, and after hours
at 510-667-7721. The notification will include the most precise possible description of the
material(s) involved. Communications shall determine from the Office of Emergency Services
the approximate time their personnel are expected to arrive at the scene and shall convey this
information to the requesting field unit.
414.5.1 SCENE EVALUATION
(a)Evacuation- If the call is in response to a bomb threat, the decision as to whether or
not to evacuate the building must be made by the owner, manager, principal or other
person in charge of the building. If a bomb or explosive is located, it is appropriate
for the field supervisor, or officer in charge, to order and supervise evacuation of the
building. In such cases, the zone officers should consult with the field supervisor to
determine the necessary extent of evacuation. For example, if a small package is
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Response to Bomb Calls
found in a large new office building, it would indicate evacuation of only the floor it is
located on, and the floors immediately above and below. A suspected bomb found in
an older, more flammable building may require total evacuation.
1.When effecting a partial evacuation, steps must be