This guide addresses the problem of bomb threats in schools, public or private, kindergarten through 12th grade. Colleges and universities are excluded because they generally differ from schools. The guide reviews the factors that increase the risk of bomb threats in schools and then identifies a series of questions that might assist departments in analyzing their local problem. Finally, the guide reviews responses to the problem and what is known about these from evaluative research and proven police practice. The guide discusses the motives for bomb threats as well as the delivery of the threats, their specificity, and how seriously they should be taken. In discussing factors that are linked to bomb threats in schools, the guide refers to offender characteristics, his/her family background, the school climate, and opportunity. This is followed by guidance on how to assess preparation for dealing with bomb threats. A checklist of questions is designed to help determine the school's preparation for immediate and preventive responses to bomb threats. The section on responses to the problem of school-related bomb threats first addresses general considerations for an effective response strategy, such as preventive responses designed to reduce the likelihood of bomb threats and immediate responses to a bomb threat should it occur. Specific responses to school bomb threats focus on strategies for prevention and harm reduction as well as immediate responses to a bomb threat. Zero tolerance accompanied by a long-term suspension is rejected as an ineffective and possibly contributory response. The guide is divided into the following sections: (1) The Problem of Bomb Threats in Schools; (2) Understanding Your Local Problem; and (3) Responses to the Problem of Bomb Threats in Schools. Appended are: (1) Summary of Responses to Bomb Threats in Schools; (2) Warning Signs of Potential School Violence; and (3) Questions to Ask When Coordinating the Bomb Threat Response Team. Seventeen annotated recommended readings are also included. (Contains 46 endnotes.) [This document was produced by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).]