Bomb & Physical Security Planning

From Department of the Treasury Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF P 75550.2)

Foreword
Bombing and the threat of being bombed are harsh realities in today's world. The
public is becoming more aware of those incidents of violence that are perpetrated by
vicious, nefarious segments of our society through the illegal use of explosives. Law
enforcement agencies are charged with providing protection for life and property, but
law enforcement alone cannot be held responsible. Every citizen must do his or her
part to ensure a safe environment.

This pamphlet is designed to help both the public and private sectors prepare for the
potential threat of explosives-related violence. While the ideas set forth herein are
applicable in most cases, they are intended only as a guide. The information provided
is compiled from a wide range of sources, including the actual experiences of special
agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)

If there is one point that cannot be overemphasized, it is the value of being prepared.
Do not allow a bomb incident to catch you by surprise. By developing a bomb
incident plan and considering possible bomb incidents in your physical security plan,
you can reduce the potential for personal injury and property damage.

In making this pamphlet available to you, we hope to help you better prepare to deal
with bomb threats and the illegal use of explosives.

Bombs
Bombs can be constructed to look like almost anything and can be placed or delivered
in any number of ways. The probability of finding a bomb that looks like the
stereotypical bomb is almost nonexistent. The only common denominator that exists
among bombs is that they are designed or intended to explode.

Most bombs are homemade and are limited in their design only by the imagination of,
and resources available to, the bomber. Remember, when searching for a bomb,
suspect anything that looks unusual. Let the trained bomb technician determine what
is or is not a bomb.

Bomb Threats
Bomb threats are delivered in a variety of ways. The majority of threats are called in
to the target. Occasionally these calls are through a third party. Sometimes a threat is
communicated in writing or by a recording.

Two logical explanations for reporting a bomb threat are:

 1. The caller has definite knowledge or believes that an explosive or
incendiary bomb has been or will be placed and he/she wants to minimize
personal injury or property damage. The caller may be the person who placed
the device or someone who has become aware of such information.

2. The caller wants to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic which will, in
turn, result in a disruption of the normal activities at the facility where the
device is purportedly placed.

Whatever the reason for the report, there will certainly be a reaction to it. Through
proper planning, the wide variety of potentially uncontrollable reactions can be
greatly reduced.

Why Prepare?
If you accept the two aforementioned explanations for reporting that a bomb is about
to go off, you can better prepare to foil the bomber or threat maker.

Through proper preparation, you can reduce the accessibility of your business or
building and identify those areas that can be "hardened" against the potential bomber.
This will limit the amount of time lost to searching, if you determine a search is
necessary. If a bomb incident occurs, proper planning will instill confidence in the
leadership, reinforce the notion that those in charge do care; and reduce the potential
for personal injury and property loss.

Proper planning can also reduce the threat of panic, the most contagious of all human
emotions. Panic is sudden, excessive, unreasoning, infectious terror. Once a state of
panic has been reached, the potential for injury and property damage is greatly
increased. In the context of a bomb threat, panic is the ultimate achievement of the
caller.

Be prepared! There is no excuse for not taking every step necessary to meet the threat.

How to Prepare
In preparing to cope with a bomb incident, it is necessary to develop two separate but
interdependent plans, namely a physical security plan and a bomb incident plan.

Physical security provides for the protection of property, personnel, facilities, and
material against unauthorized entry, trespass, damage, sabotage, or other illegal or
criminal acts. The physical security plan deals with prevention and control of access
to the building. In most instances, some form of physical security may be already in
existence, although not necessarily intended to prevent a bomb attack.

The bomb incident plan provides detailed procedures to be implemented when a

bombing attack is executed or threatened. In planning for the bomb incident, a
definite chain of command or line of authority must be established Only by using an
established organization and procedures can the bomb incident be handled with the
least risk to all concerned. A clearly defined line of authority will instill confidence
and avoid panic.

Establishing a chain of command is easy if there is a simple office structure, one

business, one building. However, if a complex situation exists, a multi-occupant
building for example, a representative from each occupant entity should attend the
planning conference. A leader should be appointed and a clear line of succession
delineated. This chain of command should be printed and circulated to all concerned
parties.

In planning, you should designate a command center to be located in the switchboard

room or other focal point of telephone or radio communications. The management
personnel assigned to operate the center should have the authority to decide whatever
action should be taken during the threat. Only those with assigned duties should be
permitted in the center. Make some provision for alternates in the event someone is
absent when a threat is received. Obtain an updated blueprint or floor plan of your
building and maintain it in the command center.

Contact the police department, fire department, or local government agencies to

determine if any assistance is available to you for developing your physical security
plan or bomb incident plan. If possible, have police and/or fire department
representatives and members of your staff inspect the building for areas where
explosives are likely to be concealed. (Make a checklist of these areas for inclusion in
command center materials.) Determine whether there is a bomb disposal unit
available, how to contact the unit, and under what conditions it is activated. In
developing your bomb incident plan, you must also ascertain whether the bomb
disposal unit, in addition to disarming and removing the explosives, will assist in
searching the building in the event of a threat.

Training is essential to deal properly with a bomb threat incident. Instruct all
personnel, especially those at the telephone switchboard, in what to do if a bomb
threat is received. Be absolutely certain that all personnel assigned to the command
center are aware of their duties. The positive aspects of planning will be lost if the
leadership is not apparent. It is also very important to organize and train an evacuation
unit which will be responsive to the command center and has a clear understanding of
the importance of its role.

We have suggested that the command center be located near the switchboard or focal
point of communications. It is critical that lines of communication be established
between the command center and the search or evacuation teams- The center must
have the flexibility to keep up with the search team progress. In a large facility, if the
teams go beyond the communications network, the command center must have the
mobility to maintain contact and track search or evacuation efforts.

Security Against Bomb Incidents

We mentioned earlier that, in dealing with bomb incidents or potential bomb
incidents, two interrelated plans must be developed, the bomb incident plan and the
physical security plan. Heretofore, we have primarily addressed the bomb incident
plan. Now, before continuing with that plan, we will discuss security measures as they
apply to "hardening" against the bomb attack.

Most commercial structures and individual residences already have some security in
place, planned or unplanned, realized or not. Locks on windows and doors, outside
lights, etc., are all designed and installed to contribute toward the security of a facility
and the protection of its occupants.

In considering measures to increase security for your building or office, it

is highly recommended that you contact your local police department for guidance
regarding a specific plan for your facility. There is no single security plan that is
adaptable to all situations. The following recommendations are offered because they
may contribute to reducing your vulnerability to bomb attacks.

The exterior configuration of a building or facility is very important. Unfortunately, in

most instances, the architect has given little or no consideration to security,
particularly toward thwarting or discouraging a bomb attack. However, by the
addition of fencing and lighting, and by controlling access, the vulnerability of a
facility to a bomb attack can be reduced significantly.

Bombs being delivered by car or left in a car are a grave reality. Parking should be
restricted, if possible, to 300 feet from your building or any building in a complex. If
restricted parking is not feasible, properly identified employee vehicles should be
parked closest to your facility and visitor vehicles parked at a distance.

Heavy shrubs and vines should be kept close to the ground to reduce their potential to
conceal criminals or bombs. Window boxes and planters are perfect receptacles for
the bomber. Unless there is an absolute requirement for such ornamentation, window
boxes and planters are better removed. If they must remain, a security patrol should be
employed to check them regularly.

A highly visible security patrol can be a significant deterrent. Even if this ''patrol'' is
only one security guard/night guard, he/she is optimally utilized outside the building.
If an interior guard is utilized, consider the installation of closed-circuit television
cameras that cover exterior building perimeters.

Have an adequate burglar alarm system installed by a reputable company that can
service and properly maintain the equipment. Post signs indicating that such a system
is in place.

Entrance/exit doors with hinges and hinge pins on the inside to prevent removal
should be installed. Solid wood or sheet metal faced doors provide extra integrity that
a hollow-core wooden door cannot provide. A steel door frame that properly fits the
door is as important as the construction of the door.

The ideal security situation is a building with no windows. However, bars, grates,
heavy mesh screens, or steel shutters over windows offer good protection from
otherwise unwanted entry. It is important that the openings in the protective coverings
are not too large. Otherwise, a bomb may be introduced into the building while the
bomber remains outside. Floor vents, transoms, and skylights should also be covered.
Please note that fire safety considerations preclude the use of certain window
coverings. Municipal ordinances should be researched and safety considered before
any of these renovations are undertaken.

Controls should be established for positively identifying personnel who are authorized
access to critical areas and for denying access to unauthorized personnel. These
controls should extend to the inspection of all packages and materials being taken into
critical areas.

Security and maintenance personnel should be alert for people who act in a suspicious
manner, as well as objects, items, or parcels which look out of place or suspicious.
Surveillance should be established to include potential hiding places (e.g., stairwells,
rest rooms, and any vacant office space) for unwanted individuals.

Doors or access ways to such areas as boiler rooms, mail rooms, computer areas,
switchboards, and elevator control rooms should remain locked when not in use. It is
important to establish a procedure for the accountability of keys. If keys cannot be
accounted for, locks should be changed.

Good housekeeping is also vital. Trash or dumpsite areas should remain free of
debris. A bomb or device can easily be concealed in the trash. Combustible materials
should be properly disposed of, or protected if further use is anticipated.

Install detection devices at all entrances and closed-circuit television in those areas
previously identified as likely places where a bomb may be placed. This, coupled with
the posting of signs indicating such measures are in place, is a good deterrent.

We in ATF recognize the necessity for businesses to maintain good public relations.
Corporate responsibility, however, also encompasses the safety and protection of the
public. The threatened use of explosives necessitates that in the interest of safety and
security, some inconvenience may have to be imposed on visitors to public buildings.
The public is becoming more accustomed to routine security checks and will readily
accept these minor inconveniences.

Perhaps entrances and exits can be modified with a minimal expenditure to channel
all visitors through someone at a reception desk. Individuals entering the building
would be required to sign a register indicating the name and room number of the
person whom they wish to visit. Employees at these reception desks could contact the
person to be visited and advise him/her that a visitor, by name, is in the lobby. The
person to be visited may decide to come to the lobby to ascertain that the purpose of
the visit is valid. A system for signing out when the individual departs could be
integrated into this procedure.

Such a procedure may result in complaints from the public. If the reception desk clerk
explains to the visitor that these procedures were implemented in his/her best interest
and safety, the complaints would be reduced. The placement of a sign at the reception
desk informing visitors of the need for safety is another option.
Responding to Bomb Threats
Instruct all personnel, especially those at the telephone switchboard, in what to do if a
bomb threat call is received.

It is always desirable that more than one person listen in on the call. To do this, a
covert signaling system should be implemented, perhaps by using a coded buzzer
signal to a second reception point.

A calm response to the bomb threat caller could result in obtaining additional
information. This is especially true if the caller wishes to avoid injuries or deaths. If
told that the building is occupied or cannot be evacuated in time, the bomber may be
willing to give more specific information on the bomb's location, components, or
method of initiation.

The bomb threat caller is the best source of information about the bomb. When a
bomb threat is called in:

- Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask him/her to repeat the
message. Record every word spoken by the person.

- If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible
detonation, ask him/her for this information.

- Inform the caller that the building is occupied and the detonation of a bomb
could result in death or serious injury to many innocent people.

- Pay particular attention to background noises, such as motors running, music

playing, and any other noise which may give a clue as to the location of the
caller.

- Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited),
accents, and speech impediments. Immediately after the caller hangs up, report
the threat to the person designated by management to receive such
information.

- Report the information immediately to the police department, fire

department, ATF, FBI, and other appropriate agencies. The sequence of
notification should be established in the bomb incident plan.

- Remain available, as law enforcement personnel will want to interview you.

When a written threat is received, save all materials, including any envelope or
container. Once the message is recognized as a bomb threat, further unnecessary
handling should be avoided. Every possible effort must be made to retain evidence
such as fingerprints, handwriting or typewriting, paper, and postal marks. These will
prove essential in tracing the threat and identifying the writer.
While written messages are usually associated with generalized threats and extortion
attempts, a written warning of a specific device may occasionally be received. It
should never be ignored.

Decision Time
The most serious of all decisions to be made by management in the event of a bomb
threat is whether to evacuate the building. In many cases, this decision may have
already been made during the development of the bomb incident plan. Management
may pronounce a carte blanche policy that, in the event of a bomb threat, total
evacuation will be effective immediately. This decision circumvents the calculated
risk and demonstrates a deep concern for the safety of personnel in the building.
However, such a decision can result in costly loss of time.