What to do when Suspicious Mailing is Received

• Isolate the mailing
  • Do not put the mailing in water or a confined space such as a desk drawer or filing cabinet
• Secure the immediate area
  • If possible, open a window in the immediate area to vent potentially explosive gasses
• Contact the Office of the Director of Police, 499-4680
  • Remember, mailings are handles many times prior to reaching your location. Handling the mailing as recommended should not increase your risk of injury.

What to do when a Suspicious Container is Discovered

The following procedure is to be used when an unusual or suspicious package, box, briefcase, enclosed piece of pipe, or other container is discovered and no one knows who it belongs to or where it came from.

Particular attention should be given to containers found in "common areas" or areas where the public has easy access, such as hallways, parking garages or areas near the System Complex Buildings.

• Call the Office of the Director of Police immediately!!!
  • 499-4680
  • or UTPD, 471-4441

Do not pick it up or move it in any way!

Do not cover it with anything!

Characteristics of Suspicious Letters and Packages

• Envelopes feel rigid, appear uneven or lopsided, or are bulkier or heavier than usual
• Excessive amount of postage is used
• Lacks a return address
• Stains appear on the wrapper
• Contains unusual restricted endorsement such as "Personal" or "Private"
• The addressee does not normally receive personal mail at the office
• Name and/or title of addressee are inaccurate
• Title is used without a name
• Homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering is used to ensure anonymity of sender
• Hand written or poorly typed addresses
• Handwriting appears distorted
• Mailing appears to have been disassembled or glued
• Misspelling of common words
• Wires, tinfoil or string are present
• Outer container is shaped irregularly, asymmetrically, or has soft spots or bulges
• Wrapping exhibits previous use, such as traces of glue, mailing labels, return addresses or tape
• Several combinations of tape are used to secure the parcel
• Excessive tape or string is used
• Unprofessionally wrapped parcel is marked "Fragile," "Handle with Care" or "Rush, Do Not Delay"
• Contents of package make a sloshing, ticking, or buzzing sound