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  • Addressed to someone no longer with your organization, or otherwise outdated.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

US Postal Service

Center for Disease Control