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Bomb Threat Room Search

POLICY:
In the event of a bomb threat the following procedure will be followed for room searches.

PROCEDURE:
The following technique is based on use of a two-man searching team.  There are many minor variations possible in searching a room.  The following contains only the basic techniques.

FIRST TEAM ACTION - LISTENING:
When the two-man search team enters the room to be searched, they shall first move to various parts of the room and stand quietly, with their eyes shut and listen for a clock-work device.  Frequently, a clock-work mechanism can be quickly detected without use of special equipment.  Even if no clock-work mechanism is detected, the team is now aware of the background noise level within the room itself.

Background noise or transferred sound is always disturbing during a building search.  In searching a building, if a ticking sound is heard but cannot be located, one might become unnerved.  The ticking sound may come from an unbalanced air conditioner fan several floors away or from a dripping sink down the hall.  Sound will transfer through air conditioning ducts, along water pipes and through walls, etc.  One of the worst types of buildings to work in is one that has steam or water heat.  This type of building will constantly thump, crack, chatter and tick due to the movement of the steam or hot water through the pipes and the expansion and contraction of the pipes.  Background noise may also be outside traffic sounds, rain, wind, etc.

SECOND TEAM ACTION - DIVISION OF ROOM AND SELECTION OF SEARCH HEIGHT:
The team in charge of the room searching team shall look around the room and determine how the room is to be divided for searching and to what height the first searching sweep shall extend.  The first searching sweep will cover all items resting on the floor up to the selected height.

Dividing the room.  You shall divide the room into equal parts or as near equal as possible.  This equal division shall be based on the number and type of objects in the room to be searched, not the size of the room.  An imaginary line is then drawn between two objects in the room i.e., the edge of the window on the north wall to the floor lamp on the south wall.

Selection of first searching height.  Look at the furniture or objects in the room and determine the average height of the majority of items resting on the floor.  In an average room this height usually includes table or desk tops, chair backs, etc.  The first searching height usually covers the items in the room up to hip height.

After the room has been divided and a searching height has been selected, both people go to one end of the room division line and start from a back-to-back position.  This is the starting point, and the same point will be used on each successive searching sweep.  Each person now starts searching his/her way around the room, working toward the other person, checking all items resting on the floor around the wall area of the room.  When the two people meet, they will have completed a "wall sweep" and shall then work together and check all items in the middle of the room up to the selected hip height.  Don't forget to check the floor under the rugs.  This first searching sweep shall also include those items which may be mounted on or in the walls, such as air conditioning ducts, baseboard heaters, built-in wall cupboards, etc., if these fixtures are below hip height.  The first searching sweep usually consumes the most time and effort.  During all searching sweeps, use the electronic or medical stethoscope on walls, furniture items, floors, etc.

SECOND ROOM SEARCHING SWEEP:
The person in charge again looks at the furniture or objects in the room and determines the height of the second searching sweep.  This height is usually from the hip to the chin or top of the head.  The two people return to the starting point and repeat the searching techniques at the second selected searching height.  This sweep usually covers pictures hanging on the walls, built-in bookcases, tall table lamps, etc.

THIRD ROOM SEARCHING SWEEP:
When the second searching sweep is completed, the person in charge again determines the next searching height, usually from the chin or top of the head to the ceiling.  The third sweep is then made.  This sweep usually covers high mounted air conditioning ducts, hanging light fixtures, etc.

FOURTH ROOM SEARCHING SWEEP:
If the room has a false or suspended ceiling, the fourth sweep involves investigation of this area.  Check flush or ceiling mounted light fixtures, air conditioning or ventilation ducts, sound or speaker systems, electrical wiring, structural frame members, etc.

Not all rooms will require three or four searching sweeps.  The first sweep, floor to hip, will cover most of the furniture items and fixtures; the second sweep will usually extend up to the ceiling.  Some of the items mentioned in this section are mentioned in other areas of the text.  They are being emphasized because of their importance; also to maintain the chronology of the search technique.

THE SEARCH:
All authorities agree that the most effective search of a building can be made by occupants of that building.  The average community cannot supply the police officers or firemen necessary to make a fast and thorough search of a facility such as a hospital, school, office building, plant, etc.  Even if such manpower were available, it would not be the most highly qualified to conduct the search.

Since the terrorist does not label the device with the word "bomb" what shall we look for?  What does a bomb look like?  No one knows.  It can be packaged in as many different ways as the imagination will allow.  Some devices may be the size of a cigarette package; others may be as large as a two and one-half ton truck.

Since the object of the search can vary in size and shape, it is a fundamental rule that the search must be made by persons who are familiar with the area and will notice a foreign object.  However, the use of occupants of the premises to conduct the search may result in hysteria from the threat unless there has been careful planning.  There shall be no reluctance in assigning females to conduct the search if they are the ones most familiar with the area.  Women are as qualified to carry out this function as men.

If the facility has a public address system, the search team can be alerted to commence the search by a code signal, i.e., "Mr. Franklin, please come to the office."  Any code suitable to the location may be used.

In writing a search plan, the premises to be searched shall be divided into areas.  Each area shall be assigned to people familiar with it.  They shall make a periodic familiarization survey of the area noting what objects are normally there.  Grill covers over heating and air conditioning ducts shall be inspected.  A subsequent inspection may reveal any entry or tampering.

Detonating or igniting an explosive or incendiary may depend on a change in environment; i.e., temperature variation, the presence of an electrical current.  Therefore, those who conduct the search shall be cautioned not to cause any change in the environment.  Do not go into a dark room and turn on the lights, use a flashlight; and do not change the setting of thermostats.

A bomb may have two fuses, and with electric blasting caps may have a secondary power source.  A partially burned fuse might be obvious so that it can be assumed the bomb is not dangerous; however; it will contain an antidisturbance or timing device.  Do not take anything for granted, if you don't know don't act.

US Patent Numbers 7,720,998 B2, 7,836,207