7-912.02 - Weapons of Mass Destruction – Threats

An officer may be dispatched to an incident in which use of a weapon of mass destruction has been threatened; however, no known event has occurred and there are no known casualties. If a suspicious substance or device is present and a threat has been received, officers should follow the guidelines listed below when responding to such incidents:

• Isolate the area and do not enter an area where a suspicious substance/device may be present.
• Notify MECC and request that a supervisor and the Bomb Squad respond.
• MFD HAZMAT should be requested if necessary.
• Keep those who have been potentially exposed to a suspicious substance isolated and at the scene until medical personnel have evaluated them or the incident has been deemed safe.
• If possible, those exposed should wash exposed areas with soap and water.
• Solicit as much information from witnesses about the threat and suspicious substance (i.e., suspect actions, substance color, odor, and form such as liquid, gas, solid, powder).
• If there is no suspicious package or device present, but a threat of a WMD incident has been received, the officer shall notify his/her supervisor and MECC. MECC shall notify the Watch Commander. An offense report titled “BOMBT” shall be completed immediately and forwarded to the Bomb/Arson Unit for investigation and further notification of the FBI if required.