School Bus Driver Security Training Program

POWER POINT PRESENTATION

New Mexico Surety Task Force New Mexico Department of Transportation New Mexico Public Education Department Developed by: Ream Lazaro Lazaro & Noel

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Module 1

INTRODUCING THE MISSION

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Module 1

SIX BASIC SECURITY MANAGEMENT STEPS:

1. Keep calm and assess the situation 2. Contact supervision 3. If required-evacuate, relocate, shelter in place 4. Protect self and protect and assist students 5. Identify self to/cooperate with first responders 6. Follow school procedures; complete documentation 3

Module 1 3 RESPONSE OPTIONS  1. Be like an ostrich  2. Overreact  3. Why we’re here 4

Module 2 DEFINING THE THREAT AND RISK  Can be violent act of deranged person or international terrorist event  Best protection – identify perpetrator before violent action carried out  School bus drivers are part of the nation’s first line of defense 5

Module 2 CLASSIC DEFINITION OF TERRORISM “ The threat or use of force or violence to coerce a government or civilian population, in pursuit of political or social objectives” Federal Bureau of Investigation 6

Module 2

- TERRORIST MOTIVATION - TERRORIST ACTS - TERRORIST TARGETS

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Module 2 DEFINING THE THREAT AND RISK      Terrorism not new phenomenon Wide variety of motives, tactics, preferred targets Expect more terrorism in U.S.

Most terrorist attacks are bombings Chemical, biological, nuclear threats will probably increase 8

Module 3

Why target school buses/facilities?

 Relatively unprotected and vulnerable  Large number of potential casualties  Schools all over the nation  Represent an emotional target  Escape relatively easy  Demoralize community, state, nation 9

Module 3  Schools and buses targets of unstable people and terrorists  School bus security begins with driver  Must be able to identify and define potential security problems  Report problems and/or take actions 10

Module 3

THREAT OR INCIDENT

 Security threat any source that catalyzes an event/occurrence that endangers life/property or results in loss of services/equipment.

 Security incident unforeseen event/occurrence that does not result in death/injury/significant property damage, but may result in interruption of service.

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Module 3 Heightened Security Concerns  Risk  Threat  Vulnerability 12

Module 4

BEING THE EYES, EARS AND PROTECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY

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Module 4 Community’s First Line of Defense BOLO (Be On the Look Out) for suspicious:  People     Activities Vehicles Packages Substances  Compare to Neighborhood Watch Program Observe and Report 14

Module 4

When need for concern:

    Trust your gut reaction Do not detain individuals Do not explore unusual activities, vehicles, packages, substances Immediately contact appropriate authorities 15

Module 4

SECURITY RELATED BEHAVIORS

       Be aware of suspicious activity/behavior Notice unusual conditions of vehicles Be vigilant with respect to strange packages, items, substances Know supervisory contacts/have numbers available Help control access to vehicles/facilities Help students deal with aftermath of emergencies Know how to relate to students in crisis 16

Module 4 SECURITY RELATED BEHAVIORS (cont’d)       Understand your role in an emergency Recognize threats and properly handle them Stay familiar with operation of emergency equipment Lead in a crisis Follow standard emergency operating plans/procedures Be responsive to needs of emergency responders 17

  Module 4

SECURITY PROCEDURES

Be familiar with state, school district, company security guidelines Remove keys from ignition when bus unattended  Pre-trip/post-trip vehicle inspections  Maintain uncluttered bus  Maintain awareness of people/activities  Trust your personal gut reaction  Report any operational security weaknesses 18

Module 5

INSPECTING THE BUS

 First act in effective security program PREVENTION    Expand normal pre and post trip inspections Periodic inspections while in service Practice good housekeeping 19

Module 5 Inspecting the Bus (cont’d)   Look for:    Marks of noticeable forced entry Unusual items attached to vehicle Opened or disturbed compartments Inspect:     Interior and interior lights Steps and wheelchair lifts Wheel wells, exhaust system, fuel/air tanks Back and side emergency exit doors 20

Seats Floor Roof liner Module 5

BUS SECURITY CHECKLIST

Lumps, bulges, damaged upholstery, suspicious packages Modifications to material, unusual thickness Rips, bulges Doors, hood, trunk lid Cargo compartment Heavy to open/close, rusting seams, holes Strange odor, raised floor, unusual welds/items, excess weight 21

Module 5

BUS SECURITY CHECKLIST (cont’d)

Exterior surface Undercarriage Missing screws, unusual scratches/welds, signs of tampering, recent paint job Items taped/attached to frame, fresh undercoating Engine compartment Odd wires/liquids, unusual welds, new tape Tires Unusual odor from air valve Fenders Unusual thickness 22

Module 5

FACILITIES AND SURROUNDINGS

   Observe anything unusual Noticeable changes Suspicious people or vehicles  Report concerns immediately 23

Module 6

IDENTIFYING AND REPORTING UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR

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Module 6  Suspicious Behavior – should not be based on stereotypes of race, color, ethnicity (profiling)  Suspicious Activities – anything noted to be unusual or out of place  Any suspicions should be reported immediately 25

Module 6 POSSIBLE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES       Appearing extremely interested in school facilities, school buses, surroundings Repeatedly sighted within school/school bus environment Having the appearance of rehearsing Soliciting information on school facilities, buses, schedules Taking photographs/video of staging areas Looking lost; wandering around school bus stops/on school grounds 26

Module 6 POSSIBLE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES (cont’d)      Exhibiting disruptive/potentially distracting behavior Showing unusual interest in employees/ students Abandoning item; leaving area quickly Wearing uniform and not involved in appropriate activity Openly possessing weapon/dangerous item 27

Module 6

SUICIDE BOMBERS MAY:

       wear irregular/disproportionate clothing for body type or weather repeatedly pat chest or stomach carry irregular, inappropriate, overweight luggage/bags move about without purpose sweat or act extremely nervous avoid eye contact be non-communicative/uncooperative 28

Module 6 REACTING TO UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR      Only approach a suspicious person if you are comfortable doing so Helpfully challenge the person – ask if they need assistance or directions If questioning a person and they refuse to respond or respond aggressively, withdraw Never be confrontational or try to physically detain anyone Notify authorities 29

Module 6 CHARACTERISTICS TO NOTE FOR REPORTING

Eyes Ears Mouth/Nose Hair/Facial Hair Forehead Cheeks/Chin Neck Complexion Body Shape/Size Hat Jewelry Shirt/Blouse/Dress Coat Pants/Skirt Socks/Shoes Oddities/Tattoos General Appearance Accessories

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Module 7

IDENTIFYING AND REPORTING UNUSUAL VEHICLES

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Module 7

VEHICLE BOMBS

 Extremely popular terrorist tool:       Can contain large amount of explosives Easy to obtain and deploy Inconspicuous and difficult to attack Can be driven or parked near target Difficult to render safe Can create mass casualty situation 32

Module 7

INDICATORS OF SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES

 repeatedly seen in vicinity  following or shadowing school buses  parked in out of ordinary/unauthorized locations  parked for extended periods in unusual place  riding low on springs, especially in rear  large containers, such as drums, in rear or back seat 33

Module 7 INDICATORS OF SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES (cont’d )  wires, string, ropelike material strung from front seat to rear or from small containers on front floorboard  accompanied by unusual odors, such as fertilizer, diesel fuel, nitro methane or other fuel like odors  occupants show signs of stress, are deceptive/reluctant to answer questions, tell conflicting stories, have no legitimate purpose to be in area 34

Module 7 INFORMATION TO NOTE FOR REPORTING          Location, if it is parked Direction, if it is moving Color Year Make Model License plate number and state Identifying features, e.g., convertible, damage, excessive rust, etc. Description of occupants 35

Module 7 REACTING TO SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES  After reporting:  Refrain from cell phone use within 300 feet  Evacuate bus and/or students from location 36

Module 8

UNDERSTANDING THE WEAPONS

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Module 8

CONVENTIONAL BOMBS OR IED’S

 Reasons for use:       dramatic, low risk, draw attention low cost/high yield few skills needed attacks executed remotely large groups not required little forensic evidence 38

Module 8

IED COMPONENTS

    Uses battery as power supply Switch/timer provides delay in detonation; can be electrical/chemical/mechanical Detonator/initiator, either electric or non-electric, provides initial trigger explosive to detonate main charge Main explosive charge high/low in nature; low explosives create heat/fire; high explosives create large blast 39

Module 8

ADDITIONAL IED INFORMATION

   Sometimes packed with additional materials Can be small as pipe bomb or large as car bomb  required evacuation distance only significant difference Can be used to detonate and disperse CBR weapons 40

EFFECTS

Module 8         blast overpressure falling structural material flying debris asphyxiation pressure wave throwing body bomb fragments burns inhaling toxic fumes 41

 Module 8

SECONDARY EXPLOSIVE DEVICES

Tactic that magnifies damage/casualties Detonating larger/deadlier device   after public safety personnel respond to first smaller incident in identified bomb-threat evacuation assembly area 42

CBR’s or Module 8 WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION  Chemical  Biological  Radiological 43

Module 8

ENTER HUMAN BODY THROUGH:

 Inhalation  Ingestion  Absorption  Injection 44

Module 9

REACTING TO SUSPICIOUS ITEMS, DEVICES, SOUNDS

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Module 9

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES OR OBJECTS

    Placed in out-of-way locations where not easily seen Accompanied by threatening message Looks like it could be a bomb Has visible wires, batteries, timers attached 46

Module 9 SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES OR OBJECTS (cont’d)      Abandoned by someone quickly leaving scene Has tanks, bottles, bags visible Accompanied by suspicious cloud, mist, gas, vapor Common object in abnormal location Uncommon object in common location 47

Module 9

REACTING TO SUSPICIONS

       Evacuate bus from area or students from bus, preferably upwind Stay calm Never touch object Avoid cell phone or radio use within 300 feet of object Contact appropriate authorities Report reason for suspicion and description of object If object accidentally touched, do not put hands near face; wash well with soap/water 48

Module 9

TO AVOID INJURY:

  

Do not

touch, move, cover suspicious object/device use radio or cell phone within 300 feet of object/device

Do

move as far from object as possible without being in danger from other hazards, e.g., traffic or secondary sources of explosion 49

Module 9

TO AVOID INJURY (cont’d):



Do

Stay out of object’s line-of-sight  Stay away from glass windows  Remain alert for additional/secondary explosive devices in immediate area 50

Module 10

REACTING TO DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES

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Module 10

DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES

     Can be in many forms and states Consider all serious and life threatening Avoid all suspicious substances Evacuate area immediately Call for emergency assistance 52

Module 10

CHEMICAL AGENT INDICATORS

      Existence of a threat Sick or dead birds, animals or people Large quantity dead insects or absence of insects Foliage abnormally changing or dying Unusual liquid, spray or vapor in air Suspicious devices or packages 53

Module 10

CHEMICAL RELEASE SYMPTOMS

If two or more people are observed:      experiencing difficulty breathing or coughing uncontrollably suffering a collapse or seizure complaining of nausea complaining of blurred vision complaining of an unusual and unexplainable odor 54

Module 10

BIOLOGICAL AGENT INDICATORS

 Existence of a threat  Sick or dead birds, animals or people  Unusual illnesses within the region  Unusual liquid spray or vapor in air  Suspicious devices or packages 55

Module 10

RADIOLOGICAL AGENT INDICATORS

 Existence of a threat  Presence of radiological equipment, e.g., spent fuel canisters  Nuclear warning materials along with unexplained casualties 56

Module 10

OVERALL SIGNS OF RELEASE

 Unexplainable pungent odor  Suspicious package emitting vapor/odor/oily liquid  Abandoned aerosol/manual spray devices  Cloud, mist, fine powder, liquid, fog with no identifiable suspected source 57

Module 11

EVACUATING RELOCATING SHELTERING IN PLACE

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Module 11

RISK FACTORS FOR CBR’s

 Time – how long individual was exposed  Distance – how far immediately able to get away  Shielding – whether agent was blocked from entering body 59

Module 11

RESPONSE PRIORITIES

 Protect yourself  Notify appropriate authorities  Protect students and others  Quarantine victims  Assist students and others  Assist emergency responders 60

Module 11

PROTECT YOURSELF

DON’T

 take risks  assume anything  forget about secondary devices  taste, eat, smell, touch anything suspicious  become a victim 61

Module 11

NOTIFY AUTHORITIES

      

Explain

your exact location and condition type of injuries and/or symptoms victim locations and positions indicators of activities and objects wind direction, weather on scene witness statements/observations existing/potentially dangerous conditions 62

Module 11

PROTECT OTHERS

Explosive device outside bus:   Open doors and windows stay on vehicle  If vehicle can be safely moved: relocate vehicle upwind away from danger 63

Module 11

PROTECT OTHERS (cont’d)

   CBR release is outside bus: stay on vehicle shut off HVAC close windows and doors  If vehicle can be safely moved: relocate vehicle upwind away from danger 64

Module 11

PROTECT OTHERS (cont’d)

Explosive device/CBR release is inside bus:  evacuate students 1,000 feet upwind and upgrade from vehicle  prohibit use of cell phones within 300 feet of vehicle 65

Module 11

ASSIST OTHERS

  

DO

enlist assistance of students/others to help victims

DON’T

move injured victims unless they are in danger of further harm or exposure do things you are incapable of doing or are not trained to do 66

Module 12

MANAGING STUDENTS AND THE SCENE

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Module 12

ACTIONS BEFORE HELP ARRIVES

       Get as far away from source as possible Recruit students to assist Report incident to dispatch Be alert for secondary explosive device Keep calm; reassure passengers No cell phone/radio use within 300 feet Gather witness contact information 68

Module 12

ASSIST EMERGENCY RESPONSE

     Identify self to first responders Inform responders   nature of hazard/threat location/number victims and injury types Explain what was done so far Await direction from Incident Command Remain available to assist 69

Module 13

HANDLING CONFLICT ACTS OF VIOLENCE ON BUS

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Module 13

TO PROTECT SELF AND PASSENGERS

       Stay calm; maintain control; don’t overreact Look for ways to diffuse situation Look for ways to alert emergency response Park in public place Open doors Look for ways to escape vehicle Do not attempt to grab weapon or make sudden movements 71

Module 13 TO PROTECT SELF AND PASSENGERS (cont’d)     Cooperate with assailant If violence directed to student, contact dispatch, intervene only if safe to do so Provide information to emergency response     location nature of incident description of assailant weapons Complete required forms/documentation 72

Module 14

HOSTAGE SITUATION

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Module 14 TO AVOID VEHICLE BEING COMMANDEERED        Survey staging areas, pick up/drop off points for suspicious people/activities Avoid boarding suspicious looking people Report concerns of suspicions – drive out of area If suspicions aroused when stopped, do not open doors Communicate through window, determine proper action At RR Crossing don’t open doors wide enough to allow entry – contact dispatch Avoid boarding individuals suspected of carrying weapons/dangerous packages 74

Module 14

IF VEHICLE IS COMMANDEERED

     Do not confront individual carrying a weapon Stay calm and focused Pretend bus broken down, if possible Follow all instructions; don’t show outward panic If parked, open all doors to allow escape; ask if students can de-board; don’t push too hard to end situation 75

Module 14

IF VEHICLE COMMANDEERED

(CONT’D)       If in motion, stay on route but make no regular stops Attempt to alert authorities Take no action to increase risk to self/others Talk to hijacker; try to create relationship Be patient and assertive Use common sense; follow instructions of hijacker 76

Module 15

SUMMARY

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Module 15

KEY ISSUES

            Threats of terrorism and violence Being eyes and ears of community School bus driver as first line of defense Inspecting buses and surroundings Reacting to and reporting unusual behavior/vehicles Potential weapons Reacting to and reporting suspicious items/devices Reacting to and reporting dangerous substances Evacuating, relocating, sheltering in place Managing students and the incident scene Handling conflict and threats of violence Surviving a hostage situation 78

Module 15

SIX BASIC SECURITY MANAGEMENT STEPS:

• • • • • • Keep calm and assess the situation Contact supervision If required - evacuate, relocate, shelter in place Protect self and protect and assist students Identify self to/cooperate with first responders Follow school procedures; complete documentation 79