Gardaí Issue Guidance on What to Do if You Receive a Bomb Threat

An Garda Síochána has issued guidance on what to do if you receive a bomb threat, and how Gardaí will respond. The guidance is in response to recent increased activity in hoax and non-credible bomb threats.

The guidance was given by Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary in a video posted by An Garda Síochána on Twitter/X. Anyone who receives a threat should call 999. Deputy Commissioner Cleary said:

Paul Cleary, Deputy Commissioner:

“If you receive a bomb threat by email, letter, or any other message, contact An Garda Síochána immediately by calling 999.”

Callers are asked to provide as much detail as possible about the threat and the communication they received. Once notified, the Garda Regional Control Centre will assess the credibility of the threat. Following that assessment, the Control Centre and/or the Gardaí responding will advise on the most appropriate course of action, as quickly as possible.

A threat does not automatically mean a building must be evacuated. The Deputy Commissioner said:

Paul Cleary, Deputy Commissioner:

“It is important to understand that a bomb threat does not automatically mean that a building needs to be evacuated, but the attending Gardaí will assist with this decision.”

In many cases, following an assessment, the appropriate response may be to provide advice or to carry out a cursory search of the premises. Businesses and premises managers retain the ability to make their own decision to evacuate. An Garda Síochána will always provide professional advice based on its assessment of the information available.

Deputy Commissioner Cleary also said every such report is taken seriously, and that An Garda Síochána is committed to providing a professional, proportionate, and timely response.

An Garda Síochána said: “Our priority is, and always will be, the safety of the public.”