New Policies

[MrJim911]

So has everyones agency created new polices and procedures to handle the new types of "powder calls" or any other type of possible terrorist act? We've had a few pages worth of SOP's created and put into effect on what questions to ask the caller, how to dispatch it and what kind response the call is going to get depending on severity of call and type of call.

[KYEMT325]

There were so many "white powdery substance" calls after Sept 11, that it was pitiful. The city Fire Dept decided they would handle it all since they have a HazMat Team, but after the first 2 days and about 50 calls, they changed their minds. At the University we have our own HazMat Team, who comes in and takes possession of it, opens it up in a lab, and determines what it is. So far nothing of any credible threat has been found, mostly drywall dust and powdered sugar.

Then after they determine it's not a credible threat, we take possession, book it into evidence, and the rightful owner has to make arrangements to pick it up or we destroy it. Personally I think if you call 9-1-1 and have them take the letter/package away, you totally give up your rights to that letter/package, but some people are too focused on pleasing everyone as opposed to doing the sensible thing. Sometimes higher education and common sense DO NOT go hand in hand :-) So now we have to put up with people calling wanting that "publisher's clearinghouse" letter with the chalk dust back because they might have won (that was sarcasm speaking, not happened quite that way yet, but close).

[MrJim911]

Our Fire Departments wanted to, and went, to all the calls at first. Then after several dozen they decided they would just go to the packages that were open. (The police went on all of these as well). After dozens of those they decided they wouldn't go at all unless the police actually requested them and thought something was actully wrong. Luckily these calls have died down alot recently. Day and evening shifts still get a few every once in a while and I haven't gotten any on mids in weeks.