Suspicious Mail
HANDLING SUSPICIOUS MAIL
Hazardous agents can be enclosed in either a package or an envelope, and its outward
appearance is limited only by the imagination of the perpetrator. However, some unique
characteristics may assist the identification of a suspect mailing.
Things to remember when receiving mail
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Mail bombs may bear restricted endorsements such as “personal” or “private.”
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Addressee’s name or title may be inaccurate.
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Return address may be fictitious or not available.
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Hazardous mail may have distorted handwriting or the name may be prepared with homemade
labels or cut and paste lettering. -
Cancellation or postmark may show a different location than the return address.
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Hazardous mail may have excessive postage.
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Letter bombs may feel rigid, or appear uneven or lopsided.
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Package 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.” -
Hazardous mail may have an irregular shape, soft spots, or bulges.
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Hazardous mail may make a sloshing sound. Although placed devices may buzz or tick,
mailed bombs generally do not. -
Pressure or resistance may be noted when removing contents from an envelope or package.
If you are suspicious of a mailing and are unable to verify the contents
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Do not open.
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Isolate the mailing and evacuate the immediate area.
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Do not put it in water or a confined space such as a desk drawer or filing cabinet.
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If possible, open windows in the immediate area to assist in venting potential explosive
gases. -
If you have any reason to believe a letter or package is suspicious, do not take a
chance or worry about possible embarrassment if the item turns out to be innocent.
Contact the Southeastern Louisiana University Police at (985) 549-2222 -
If I receive an anthrax threat by mail
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Do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of contamination.
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Make sure that damaged or suspicious packages are isolated and the immediate area
cordoned off. -
If possible try to identify all of the people who may have come into contact with
the suspicious mail. -
Ensure that all persons who have touched the piece of mail wash their hands with soap
and water.
Contact the Southeastern Louisiana University Police at (985) 549-2222.