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Response
to
Suspicious Packages/Bomb Scares
It is the policy
of the University of Pennsylvania Police Department that all responses
to bomb scares or suspicious packages be conducted systematically,
efficiently, and in a manner that gives primary consideration to
the protection of human life. All such responses will be conducted
in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police Department.
- A bomb scare
is defined, in part, as a condition that exists when a device
is suspected to be at a given location.
- A bomb emergency
is defined as a condition when a suspected or actual explosive
device has been located or has been detonated.
When the Penncomm
Center is notified of the existence of a suspicious device the Penncomm
Police Supervisor will ensure that Penn Police officers/Commanders
are immediately dispatched to the location of the package and that
the Philadelphia Police Department is notified of the situation.
If a real or
suspicious device has been located, or paraphernalia identified,
the on-scene police supervisor will proceed with the immediate evacuation
of, at a minimum, the floor where the package is located and a floor
above and below the location of the package. It is not always
necessary to evacuate the entire building. The University of
Pennsylvania Police Department, Incident Commander will then confer
with the Philadelphia Police Department Ordinance Disposal personnel
to determine the course of action based on their recommendations.
The University of Pennsylvania Police Department Incident Commander
will then adjust the area of evacuation and perimeter based on the
recommendation of the Philadelphia Police Department Ordinance Disposal
Unit.
The Philadelphia
Police Department Ordinance Disposal Unit's personnel will, when
responding, report to the Incident Commander for an initial briefing.
They will then examine, identify, and, if possible, predict the
destructive potential of the explosive material and inform the Incident
Commander. The Philadelphia Police Department Ordinance Disposal
personnel will determine whether the material can be safely disarmed
or removed, and further ensure, if possible, that the material is
photographed. The scene will be released when the Philadelphia Police
Department Ordinance Disposal Unit determines that it is safe for
entry.
When accepting
a parcel or letter delivery it is important to look for any of the
following characteristics:
- Foreign
mail, Air Mail, and Special Delivery
- Restrictive
markings such as Confidential, Personal, etc.
- Excessive
Postage
- Handwritten
or poorly typed addresses
- Incorrect
titles
- Titles but
no names
- Misspellings
of common words
- Oily stains
or discolorations
- No return
address
- Excessive
weight
- Rigid envelope
- Protruding
wires and tinfoil
- Excessive
securing material such as masking tape, string, etc.
- Visual
distractions
If any such
suspicious parcel or letter is received do not handle it. Call the
University of Pennsylvania Police Department immediately at 511
or (215) 573-3333.
-- Thomas A. Rambo, Chief of Police,
Penn Police Department Division of Public Safety
Bomb
Threat Checklist
For a printable,
full-size checklist, CLICK
HERE
Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 2, September 4, 2001
| OF RECORD: Secular Religious &
Recognized Holidays | ACADEMIC CALENDAR
| SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES | PENSION
REFORM | SEPTEMBER at PENN |
|
THIS ISSUE:
Tuesday,
September 4, 2001
Volume 48 Number 2
www.upenn.edu/almanac/
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