NCJ Number
203259
Date Published
2002
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This interactive tool was developed to assist school districts, school administrators, and emergency responders in planning an effective bomb threat response protocol in schools.
Abstract
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of Safe and Drug Free School, U.S. Department of Education developed this interactive school bomb threat response tool to aid in understanding the nature of bomb threats, help create, plan, and respond to a threat, and present the plan to parents and students. It is a step-by-step bomb threat management and response planning guide for use by school administrators. It assists in helping formulate a bomb threat response plan customized for the school district, community, and resources. A school bomb threat response protocol is necessary in protecting our most valuable resource, our children. The tool contains information on every aspect of a bomb threat from suspicious package identification, to notifying the authorities, to building evacuation, to disposal of the device by professionals. It provides detailed guidance in developing a necessary protocol for a safe evacuation. Throughout the CD-ROM, cooperation and coordination are repeatedly stressed. Strong ties between educators, law enforcement, and the community are crucial to preventing and effectively responding to threats of violence. The tool is divided into six sections: (1) the reality of bombs; (2) prevention; (3) planning a school’s response to bomb threats; (4) walk through the response process; (5) what to do if an explosion occurs; and (6) follow up after an incident. This is followed by six power point training aid presentations and implementation resources. In addition to this interactive training tool on school bomb threat response, a CD-ROM is provided on the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program and the effectiveness of the program through the partnerships established between law enforcement and school districts, teaching students the dangers of gang involvement. It provides a brief overview of the 13 lessons in the G.R.E.A.T. Program, as well as issues related to creative funding, cooperation, attitudes, proven results, the network, and the research.