Threats can include but are not limited to: threatening calls, emails, online threats or bomb threats.
Responding to a telephone threat
- Write down what was said, in detail, as soon as possible.
- Record telephone call display information if shown.
- Note any information about the speaker, including:
- The register of the speaker’s voice (high pitch, low/deep)
- Distinctive characteristics of the speaker’s voice (fast/slow, loud/soft, calm/emotional, accent etc.)
- Background noises (traffic, music, voices, animals, quiet etc.)
- Call Campus Safety at 416-978-2222 or call 911 to report the threat.
- If it is a bomb threat, try to get as much information as possible, including:
- The location of the bomb
- The type of bomb
- What the bomb looks like
- When it will explode
- What will cause it to explode
- What can be done to stop the detonation (demands)
- Why the target was chosen
- The name and location of the caller
Responding to an online threat
- Call Campus Safety at 416-978-2222 or call 911 to report the threat.
- Do not erase any threatening messages received by email or online messaging platforms (i.e. instagram, Facebook, reddit, etc.
- Screen-capture threatening messages found on any media platform.
- Do not forward the message to anyone, as the original email properties are vital in identifying the sender.
Consider
- Do not try to guess whether the threat is real or a hoax. Threats rarely happen in isolation and Campus Safety needs to know of even the vaguest of threats to people or property.
- A decision to evacuate the building or area will be made by Campus Safety in consultation with Toronto Police Service.
- Always report a threat to Campus Safety at 416-978-2222.
Important Contacts
Other Incident Response Guides
Active Attacker
Medical Emergencies
Suspicious Packages
Fire
Cyber Incidents
Gas Leak
Power Outages
Extreme Weather