What should a telecommunicator do if they receive a call about a potential bomb threat?

When handling a call regarding a potential bomb threat, the primary responsibility of a telecommunicator is to ensure the safety of the public and facilitate an immediate response from law enforcement. By documenting the details provided by the caller and promptly notifying law enforcement, the telecommunicator helps to initiate a swift investigation and response to the threat.

Gathering specific information about the threat is crucial; this includes the location, any details about the device, the caller’s identity, and their demeanor. This information can be vital for law enforcement to assess the situation effectively. Timing is also critical in bomb threat situations, as any delay can potentially jeopardize public safety.

In contrast, asking the caller to wait for police arrival could waste precious time. Hanging up and calling back later would not allow for any information gathering and would leave the situation unaddressed during that time. Providing the caller with possible solutions might lead to confusion and could potentially increase panic. Therefore, the appropriate procedure is to document the call details and notify law enforcement immediately to ensure a prompt and organized response.