Suspicious Letters and Packages

What Should You Do With A Suspicious Letter or Package?

• Immediately call the University Police at 2300.
• Don't handle or open the letter or package.
• Don't shake, smell, or taste any substance on or within the letter or package.
• Isolate the letter or package. If you already have touched it, place it inside a plastic bag and seal it. If no bag is available, cover the letter or package with a wastebasket, towel, paper, or other item.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap or water.
• If a substance has spilled from the letter or package onto a desk or other area, cover the material with a wastebasket, towel, paper or other item.
• Lock and secure the room/area where the letter or package is located. Wait outside the room/area for the arrival of the University Police.
• Keep others out of the area until the arrival of the University Police.
• Assist University Police as directed. This may include providing a list of all persons who may have come in contact with the suspicious letter or package.

What Are The Characteristics Of A Suspicious Letter or Package?

• Powdery substance on the outside or inside.
• Excessive postage.
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses.
• Incorrect titles.
• Title, but no name.
• Addressed to someone no longer with your organization, or otherwise outdated.
• No return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate.
• Oily stains, discolorations or odor.
• Excessive weight.
• Lopsided or uneven envelope.
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil
• Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
• Visual distractions.
• Ticking sounds.
• Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential".
• Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.
• Letter or package is unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.

If you are unsure whether a letter or package is suspicious contact the University Police. An officer will respond and make a threat assessment with your assistance.

Questions should be directed to the University Police at 465-2300

For Further Information Concerning Terrorist Threats, Click on these links to the following sites:

FBI: www.fbi.gov

US Postal Service: www.usps.gov

Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov