This procedure provides information on what to do when you become aware of a threat. This includes bomb threats, cyber threats or threats of violence against the university, members of the campus community or university property. Threats usually come by telephone. If you receive a threat call:
- Remain calm, be courteous, LISTEN, and do not interrupt the caller.
- DON’T HANG UP THE PHONE. Leave the line open, even after the caller hangs up.
- GET THE ATTENTION OF ANOTHER PERSON – Give them a note saying “THREAT – Call 911”
- Obtain as much information as possible from the caller.
- What will happen?
- Where will it happen?
- When will it happen?
- Who did this?
- How can it be stopped?
- What is your name?
- What is your address?
- Take note of the characteristics of the caller’s voice (male/female, voice, speech patterns, accent) and any background noises you hear.
- After the call, write down the caller’s exact words and the time of the call. Do not hang up.
- Notify the HSU Police Department using another telephone at 870-230-5098 immediately to provide all of the information you have obtained.
- Do not touch suspicious packages. Inform the HSU Police Department of any suspicious packages, items or people in the area.
- Follow instructions from the HSU Police Department or other first responders in regards to evacuation.