Incursions, vandalism, and other incidents have occurred even where apparently adequate security systems have been in operation. A few general principles for reporting and otherwise handling such occurrences can be suggested.

A. VANDALISM AND BURGLARY

1.    Immediately notify the police no matter how minor the incident. Watchful and knowledgeable persons will occasionally be able to notify the police in time for them to apprehend an offender in the act or shortly thereafter.

2.    An accurate inventory of any stolen or otherwise missing articles can materially aid the police in their investigation.

3.    If there is physical damage - defacing, spray-painting, etc. - take photographs. As soon as the police have viewed damage and photographs have been taken, have the damage repaired.

4.    Apprise the police as to anything out of the ordinary in the conditions of the premises no matter how insignificant.

B. MAIL BOMBS

Bombs and other incendiary devices have been employed against both individuals and institutions for purposes of revenge, extortion, terrorism, and the expression of racial or religious hatred. The physical appearance of such devices is limited only by the imagination of the senders; they have been letters, books, and parcels of various sizes and shapes. They have, however, exhibited unique characteristics in the majority of known instances. The first rule for security is to be thoroughly  knowledgeable concerning the types of mail normally received and to be on guard against the unusual - particularly mail (or deliveries) exhibiting these characteristics. The second is to take all possible precautions when suspicious mailings arrive.

1.    What to look for:

* Name and title of addressee are not accurate.

* No return address, or the sender is not known to the addressee

* Handwriting appears distorted or foreign.

* Mailing is unprofessionally wrapped, appears uneven, abnormally bulky or lopsided, contains bulges or soft spots.

* Poorly wrapped package is marked "Fragile-Handle With Care," "Rush-Do Not Delay," or has unusual restrictions such as "Personal" or "Private."

* Letters or packages show an excessive amount of postage stamps.

* Protruding wires or tinfoil.

* Package makes a buzzing or ticking noise, a sloshing sound, or emits a peculiar odor.

2. What to do:

* Don't open the article. Don't put it in water or in a confined space (such as a drawer or cabinet).

* Isolate the article and secure the immediate area, closing nearby doors. If possible, open windows in the immediate area to help in venting potential explosive gases.

* Contact your local Police Department and Postal Inspector for professional assistance.

C. BOMB THREATS

An extremely common form of harassment, particularly against religious and ethnic institutions (though also experienced by large business organizations, office buildings and schools), is the telephoned bomb threat.

In such incidents, of course, the Police should be notified immediately (emergency call) and all persons in the building or threatened area should be evacuated in accord with standard fire evacuation procedures.

In the case of bomb threats, any person in the building or institution (not necessarily a security officer) is a likely recipient of the phone call. The Denver, Colorado Police Department has developed two valuable forms for the use of the recipient of such a call. They are reproduced here, and it is recommended that they be reproduced by all organizations for their own use.

The first is a checklist to be filled out at the time of the telephoned threat as an immediate aid in the discovery of dangerous devices and the protection of lives and property.

The second, a checklist to be filled out as soon as possible after emergency procedures have been undertaken, can be an invaluable aid in subsequent police investigations.

It is not generally advisable to call in the news media when an incident of vandalism or other criminal act has been carried out, or a threat made against a religious institution. The reason for generally avoiding such coverage is to reduce the likelihood of imitative behavior by other potential perpetrators, to prevent offenders from feeling that their "handiwork" is being glorified by publicity, and to maintain as much control as possible over the situation in conjunction with law enforcement authorities. Sensationalism hinders solutions.

If, however, the incident or threat generates unavoidable media coverage, one particular individual should be assigned to speak for the organization, in order to maintain an accurate source of reliable information, and to avoid contradictory, misleading, or irresponsible statements.



It is important for victims of crime to feel that they are not alone.

Particularly in the case of a religious or other community institution that has been vandalized or otherwise attacked, the leadership of that institution can alleviate the distress in their constituency and in the community at large, as well as send a message to those who carried out such a crime, by:

* Soliciting condemnation of such acts by elected officials, business leaders, editorial writers and other representatives of community opinion;

* Seeking expressions of support and sympathy in the form of sermons or public statements from religious and ethnic group leaders;

* Cooperating with law enforcement officials in investigation of such incidents (and maintaining this communication on a continuing basis) as well as working with other local resources. The Anti-Defamation League's office in your region stands ready to offer the assistance of experienced staff in confronting the problems and in planning an effective community response.

These steps will make it clear to the offenders and their potential imitators that the entire community repudiates such behavior, takes it most seriously, and considers a criminal attack upon one of its members as an attack upon all.

Bomb Threat-Call Checklist
Denver Police Bomb Threat-Call Checklist
Synagogue Security Handbook Supplement

Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
11 Broadway
New York, NY 10004
212-563-4000 Fax: 212-564-9058
webmaster@ou.org

TOP | | INDEX

Copyright © 2001/5762. All rights reserved.
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
webmaster@ou.org
Last - Revised: October, 2001.