“What makes a package suspicious? I’ll feel stupid if I report it and it turns out to be nothing. But what if I don’t call and someone gets hurt?”
The general public may have an issue like this at times. Police officers have the option of requesting bomb squad assistance for questioned items and they face the same dilemma on occasion as well.
There are times when the best option is obvious, such as the occupied pickup truck parked on the sidewalk/steps in Washington, D.C. on August 19. Police responded and the driver advised that he had a bomb with him. He held what appeared to be a transmitter and there was a container on the seat next to him. Bomb squad, canine, aviation, tactical, etc. – everyone rolls on a call like this.
But what about the toolbox in the hallway? The bag near the stadium? The strange car in the parking lot? The difficulty is always in gray areas like these. Would it be nonsense to call the police? And if an officer is handling a response like this should he or she request special teams to assist? In other words, what makes a package suspicious and worth reporting to others?
The suspect in the pickup truck is seen with a metal canister as he livestreams on Facebook in front of the Library of Congress, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021.
After many years of handling these kinds of calls as a bomb technician and also training first responders to make assessments and stay safe, I developed guidance for a focused thought process which helps others make more objective decisions which they can explain and defend if necessary. It is not a flow chart, and it is not scaled in any way. It is simply a tool to help people clarify their initial assessment of questioned items.
Recommended approach to a suspicious package
This approach identifies five potential characteristics which may be associated with a suspicious item. A single characteristic can stand on its own, or multiple characteristics may be involved, as in the recent incident in Washington, D.C.
Appearance – what does the item look/sound/smell like?
Location – where is it?
Manner of Placement – how did it get where it is (either witnessed/recorded or deduced)?
Association with a threat or violent or suspicious activity
Positive indication or interest from an explosives detection canine
These potential characteristics are best discussed in person where case studies and discussion can add clarification and develop their significance further. Our Bomb Threat Preparedness and Response Training Workshop is a great way to do just that. It has proven to be an engaging and effective way for policymakers and public safety and security professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in this and other related areas, and better protect those they serve.
If you have questions, please feel free to review the workshop information found on this website and contact us to discuss or schedule training!
