STADIA HOT PROTOCOL

The vast majority of bomb threats are hoaxes designed to cause alarm and disruption. As well as the rare instances of valid bomb threats, terrorists may also make hoax bomb threat calls to intimidate. While many bomb threats involve a person-to-person phone call, an increasing number are sent electronically using email or social media applications. No matter how ridiculous or implausible the threat may seem, all such communications are a crime and should be reported to the police immediately. Ensure your responsibilities in these instances.

Evaluating the credibility of a threat is a critical task, particularly if the attack being threatened is imminent. This is a tactic used to place additional pressure on decision makers. Police will assess the threat at the earliest opportunity.

Responsibility for the initial decision making remains with the person responsible for the event. 

Do not delay your decision making process waiting for the arrival of police. 

Use the HOT (Hidden, Obvious, Typical) protocol to inform your judgement:

Is it HIDDEN?

  • Has the item been deliberately concealed or is it obviously hidden from view?

Is it OBVIOUSLY suspicious?

  • Does it have wires, circuit boards, batteries, tape, liquids or putty-like substances visible?
  • Do you think the item poses an immediate threat to life?

Is it TYPICAL?

  • Is the item typical of what you would expect to find in this location?

What to do

  • Do not touch it.
  • Report it to your Supervisor or Control.
  • Make immediate enquiries to trace the owner.
  • Did anyone see who left it?
  • Can CCTV be checked?
  • Does it have a label identifying the owner?

Remember – If you think it’s suspicious, REPORT IT!

Now apply the 4Cs (Confirm, Clear, Communicate, Control) protocol: – Consider contingency arrangements for ballot box security under evacuation protocols

CONFIRM the item is suspicious:

  • if the item is assessed to be unattended rather than suspicious, examine further before applying lost property procedures.
  • However, if HOT leads you to believe the item is suspicious, apply the 4Cs.

CLEAR the immediate area:

  • Do not touch it.
  • Take charge and move people away to a safe distance. Even for a small item such as a briefcase move at least 100m away from the item.
  • Keep yourself and other people out of line of sight of the item. It is a broad rule, but generally if you cannot see the item then you are better protected from it.
  • Think about what you can hide behind. Pick something substantial and keep away from glass such as windows and skylights.
  • Cordon off the area.

COMMUNICATE – Call 999

  • Do not use mobile phones or radios within 15-metres of the item.

CONTROL access to the cordoned area

  • Staff and members of the public should not be able to approach the area until it is deemed safe.
  • Try and keep eyewitnesses on hand so they can tell police what they saw.

The event Safety Officer will make the call as to whether or not an evacuation (partial or full) will be required.  Follow instructions from your supervisor or the control room.