Provided 6-17-16 1516 RTKL 0181 PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT Office of School Safety SUBJECT: I. II. Directive #13 BOMB SCARES, EXPLOSIVE DEVICES AND EXPLOSIONS POLICY A. The discovery of any explosive materials, suspicious devices, deteriorating acid or any event resulting in an explosion will be reported to the Philadelphia Police. If any injuries are sustained, ensure that rescue/medical personnel are summoned. If any devices are found do not use any type of radio or cell phone to transmit any messages. B. Notice, explosive materials also include fireworks and Molotov Cocktails. Upon locating any suspicious device or explosive material notify the administrator in charge. The building will be immediately evacuated. (Principals should/will refer to the Principals’ Operations Manual- Police Regulations; Request for Police Services: Routine/Emergency- Section 1306.4, a. Bomb Threats). C. Only Certified Hazardous Device Technicians from the Philadelphia Police Bomb Squad will handle any found device. They will be the authority on the movement and method of disposal of any device. D. A “Bomb Scare” at any location in which no explosive device is discovered will still require notification of Philadelphia Police. However, evacuation of a school district facility will be the sole responsibility of the principal or designee in charge at that facility. RESPONSIBILITIES AT A BOMB SCARE A. School Police Radio Dispatcher (215-400-6000), contacted by SPO or Supervisor will: 1. Dispatch the regional lieutenant and sector personnel. Inform them that no radio or cell phone transmissions are to be made in the vicinity of the facility. 2. Notify the particular facility/school. 3. Notify the Philadelphia Police. 4. Notify the pertinent Commander. 5. Notify the Commander, Support Services. 1 - 13 B. III. Regional Lieutenant and/or School Police Officer will: 1. Upon arrival, he/she will ensure that building administrator and/or principal is alerted and attempt to gather information regarding the bomb scare. 2. Establish telephone communication with School Police Radio Dispatcher. 3. Commence a search of the facility with school based personnel. Inform them not to touch or come in contact with any suspicious device. This search of the premises will be coordinated with Philadelphia Police if they are on the scene. This will be the only time that the city police will permit nonpolice persons to actively participate in the procedure. 4. If and when a device is found, ensure that all search operations are immediately terminated. The Police Ordinance Disposal personnel will conduct further searches and action. RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN A SUSPECTED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE IS FOUND A. Supervisor and/or School Police Officer 1. Cease all search operations and ensure the building is evacuated and a secure perimeter is established. *NOTE: 2. Inform School Police Radio by telephone immediately and request that all notifications be made to the pertinent Commanders and any other personnel. 3. If Philadelphia Police or Fire Departments are not on location request, they must be notified. Again, inform all that 4. Provide all responding units with as much information about the device or material as possible. *NOTE: NO PERSONNEL WILL BE PUT AT RISK TO OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION 5. Ensure that a written Chronology of Events is maintained. This log will be given to the assigned investigator at the conclusion of the incident. 6. Common class “c” fireworks such as firecrackers and bottle rockets, M-80’s or M-100’s can be extremely dangerous and will only be handled by qualified Ordinance Disposal personnel. IV. EXPLOSIONS AND POST BLAST SCENES A. Supervisor and/or School Police Officer will: 1. Ensure maximum protection of life and property and guard the scene as per Philadelphia School District Directive #11 regarding the preservation of crime scenes. 2 - 13 2. Notify School Police Radio and request that the pertinent Commanders be alerted to conditions. If city police are not on location request, they be must be notified. Request additional resources as needed. 3. Upon arrival of the Philadelphia Police they will take control of the scene and situation. The Police will be in charge and School Police will assist if requested. 4. Supervisor on scene will be responsible for the submission of any necessary reports and notifications. V. LETTER AND PARCEL BOMB INCIDENTS A. Because of the particular dangers of explosive devices contained in letters and other parcels, personnel should be extremely careful in the handling of suspicious packages. B. The following are letters and parcels bomb recognition points, which MAY indicate the presence of an explosive: C. Upon discovery of any letters or packages which may be suspicious, notify the following: Philadelphia Police School Police Radio and Supervisor Building Administrator/Principal *NOTE: Do not tamper with the letter/package. Clear the immediate area of personnel and await the arrival of Philadelphia Police. 3-17-04 Revised 11-19-10 JUNE 2015 BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF SAFETY EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF SCHOOL SAFETY 3 - 13