Capture threat call detail using a structured bomb threat checklist under time pressure.
Security Management
Bomb Threat Management and Suspicious Item Response Procedures
Prepares security teams to handle bomb threat calls, screen suspicious items and manage evacuation or shelter decisions using structured checklists, search patterns and law enforcement liaison.
🗓️Duration5 training days
📚Content4 modules · 8 sessions
🎓On completionAccredited attendance certificate
About the programme
Course Overview
A bomb threat call or an unattended bag left in a lobby forces a facility security team to make an evacuation or shelter decision within minutes, often with incomplete information and no time to consult every stakeholder. This course builds the procedures that make that decision defensible: capturing threat call detail on a structured checklist, assessing suspicious items against recognised indicators, running search patterns that cover a facility systematically without duplicating effort, and choosing between evacuation, shelter-in-place and area denial based on threat credibility. Sessions include a call-handling role play using a threat checklist, a search-pattern exercise across a sample floor plan, and a decision simulation that times participants through call receipt to evacuation order. Participants leave with a bomb threat checklist, a search assignment template and a decision tree for evacuation, shelter or stand-down, plus the law enforcement liaison points needed once a device is suspected.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Assess a suspicious item against recognised indicators of concealment and intent.
Assign and run a systematic search pattern across a facility without gaps or duplication.
Apply a decision tree to choose evacuation, shelter-in-place or area denial for a given threat.
Coordinate facility lockdown and access control during a suspicious item or threat response.
Liaise with police and explosive ordnance disposal teams once a device is suspected.
Debrief a bomb threat or suspicious item incident to refine procedures and training.
Who Should Attend
Facility security officers who may receive bomb threat calls or reports of suspicious items.
Corporate security managers responsible for evacuation and shelter decision authority.
Reception and front-of-house staff trained as first responders to a threat call.
Emergency response team members who conduct or coordinate facility searches.
Building and facilities managers who own evacuation and lockdown procedures.
Security operations centre staff who log and escalate threat and item reports.
Course Modules
Select any module to see its sessions and points.
01Threat Call Handling
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Using a Structured Bomb Threat Checklist
- Capture caller wording, tone, background noise and stated device detail on a standard checklist.
- Keep the caller engaged with prepared questions that extract additional threat detail.
- Notify security control and law enforcement immediately after the call ends.
- Preserve the call recording or notes intact for later analysis and investigation.
Session 2Assessing Threat Credibility
- Weigh specificity, timing and stated motive when rating a threat's credibility.
- Cross-reference the threat against known grievances, prior incidents or current disputes.
- Avoid dismissing vague threats without applying the full assessment criteria.
- Document the credibility rating and rationale for the incident commander's decision.
02Suspicious Item Assessment
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Recognising Suspicious Item Indicators
- Apply recognised indicators such as unattended placement, concealment and unusual weight or wiring.
- Distinguish genuinely suspicious items from lost property using a standard assessment prompt list.
- Maintain a safe stand-off distance while assessing an item without physical contact.
- Record item location, description and time first noticed for the incident log.
Session 2Establishing Cordons and Stand-Off Distances
- Set an initial cordon distance appropriate to the item's size and location.
- Control access into the cordoned area using clear physical barriers and signage.
- Adjust cordon distance as further information or specialist advice becomes available.
- Brief occupants near the cordon on required actions without causing unnecessary alarm.
03Search Procedures
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Planning and Assigning a Search Pattern
- Divide a facility into search zones matched to team size and available time.
- Assign search teams using a pattern that avoids gaps and duplicate coverage.
- Brief searchers on what to look for and how to report a located item safely.
- Track zone completion centrally so the search commander knows real-time coverage status.
Session 2Coordinating Searchers and Occupants
- Use staff familiar with each area to identify items that look out of place.
- Maintain communication discipline so searchers do not converge on a reported item.
- Record negative search results as clearly as positive findings for the incident log.
- Stand down the search only once the commander confirms full zone coverage.
04Evacuation, Shelter and Liaison Decisions
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Applying the Evacuation and Shelter Decision Tree
- Choose evacuation, shelter-in-place or area denial based on threat credibility and item location.
- Select evacuation routes and assembly points that avoid the cordoned or suspect area.
- Communicate the chosen action to occupants using pre-agreed announcement scripts.
- Reassess the decision as new information arrives during the incident.
Session 2Law Enforcement Liaison and Recovery
- Brief arriving police and explosive ordnance disposal teams using a structured handover summary.
- Maintain the cordon and access control until specialists confirm the area is safe.
- Plan a phased return to normal operations once the incident is stood down.
- Debrief the incident to update checklists, search plans and evacuation procedures.
What the participant receives
4 course modules
A structured syllabus
8 training sessions
across 5 days
32 detailed points
Applied, detailed content
Accredited attendance certificate
On completing the programme
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