Des Plaines Police Dept: Response to Bomb Calls

Study Notes

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the Des Plaines Police Department in responding to incidents involving explosives, explosive devices, or threats of such incidents.

Bomb threats against government facilities may require different responses based on the government agency.
If the threat is against the Des Plaines Police Department facility, the Watch Commander will direct and assign officers as required.
If the threat is against a county or municipal facility, the appropriate agency will be promptly informed and assistance may be provided as necessary.
If the threat is against a federal building or property, the Federal Protective Service should be immediately notified.

Department members receiving a bomb threat should obtain as much information as possible from the individual, including the type, placement, and alleged detonation time of the device.
The Watch Commander should be immediately advised and informed of the details.
If the bomb threat is received on a recorded line, reasonable steps should be taken to ensure the recording is preserved.

When a member of the department receives notification of a bomb threat at a location in the City of Des Plaines, they should obtain as much information as reasonably possible from the notifying individual.
The member should also determine whether the facility is occupied and the number of occupants currently on-scene.

The policy of the Des Plaines Police Department is to place a higher priority on the safety of persons and the public over damage or destruction to public or private property.

When handling an incident involving a suspected explosive device, the following guidelines should be followed:
- No known or suspected explosive item should be considered safe regardless of its size or apparent packaging.
- The device should not be touched or moved except by the bomb squad or military explosive ordnance disposal team.
- Personnel should not transmit on any equipment that is capable of producing radio frequency energy within the evacuation area around the suspected device.

When an explosion has occurred, the following people should be notified as appropriate:
- Fire department
- Bomb squad
- Additional department personnel
- Field supervisor
- Watch Commander
- Other law enforcement agencies
- Other government agencies, as appropriate
The scene should be preserved and evidence should be collected.
Crowd control measures should be implemented to restrict access to authorized personnel and spectators.
Steps should be taken to mitigate scene hazards, such as collapsed structures, bloodborne pathogens, and hazardous materials.