Suspicious Letters, Packages and Containers

Back to Main Page

	Suspicious Letters
	Packages and Containers

What to do:

Report any incident of this nature to the Campus Safety and Security immediately (Ext. 6-7777).   A Security Systems Specialist will forward the call to the Shift Commander.   The responding Officer will speak to the reporting person and conduct an initial risk assessment.   The Shift Commander will determine risk factors.   If risk factors are low and exposure to biological agents is unlikely:   The responding Officer will recover any possible evidence. Double latex gloves are to be worn. (Each security vehicle is equipped with latex gloves.) Place item of concern in a sealed container such as a Ziploc baggie, trash bag, plastic bag, etc. that has been sealed with tape or wire wrap.  If necessary for moderate risk assessments, the scene should be cleaned by using a 5 percent bleach solution. It is suggested the solution remain in place for one hour.   If risk assessment indicates the package/letter/container is a high level risk, Environment Health and Safety will respond with further instruction.   If it is determined that the risk is too great, the Communications Center will call for the Baltimore Fire Department HazMat Team. Identifying suspicious items: Anthrax is a white/grayish grainy powder. If the substance is another consistency, it could be powder, flour, etc. According to the experts, anthrax and other biological agents are rare and expensive; therefore, anything other than a very small amount would indicate the substance is something other than anthrax. Suspicious  mail may bear restricted endorsements such as “Personal” or “Private.”  This factor is important when the addressee does not usually receive personal mail at the office. Other identifiers include:  Addressee’s name/title may be inaccurate. Return address may be fictitious Mail bombs may reflect/distorted handwriting or the name and addaddress may be prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering. Mail bombs may have protruding wires, aluminum foil, or oil stains and may emit a peculiar odor. Cancellation or postmark may show a different location than the return address. Mail bombs may have excessive postage. Letter bombs may feel rigid, or appear uneven or lopsided. Parcel bombs may be unprofessionally wrapped with several combinations of tape used to secure the package and may be endorsed “Fragile – Handle With Care” or “Rush – Do Not Delay.” Package bombs may make a buzzing or ticking noise or a sloshing sound. Pressure or resistance may be noted when removing contents from an envelope or parcel.