Who makes the decision to evacuate a building following a bomb threat?

The decision to evacuate a building following a bomb threat typically falls under the purview of the management of the facility. Management is responsible for the safety and security of all personnel within the building and has the authority to implement emergency protocols. This decision is often guided by established emergency response plans that consider various factors, including the nature of the threat, the potential risk to occupants, and the advice of law enforcement or security professionals.

Management typically collaborates with law enforcement (such as the police) and possibly federal agencies (like the FBI) to assess the situation, but the ultimate decision to evacuate is generally theirs, as they have the most direct responsibility for the safety of employees and visitors.

In this context, the role of law enforcement would often be to provide support, investigate the threat, and ensure public safety, but the authority to execute an evacuation rests with the building management. The military is generally not involved in civilian responses to bomb threats unless there is an extraordinary situation that necessitates their expertise.