Safe Mail Handling
How to Recognize
Suspicious Mail and Packages
Key indicators of a suspicious item include inappropriate or unusual labeling, such as:
- Excessive postage
- Misspelled common words
- No return address or strange return address
- Unusual addressing, such as not being addressed to a specific person or the use of incorrect titles or titles with no name
- Restrictive markings, such as "personal," "confidential," or "do not x-ray"
- Postmarks that do not match return addresses
Other indicators include an unusual or inappropriate appearance, including:
- Powdery substances felt through or appearing on the item
- Oily stains or discolorations on the exterior
- Strange odors
- Excessive packaging material, like tape or string
- Lopsided or bulky shape of envelopes or boxes
- Ticking sounds, protruding wires, or exposed aluminum foil
Basic Procedures for Responding to Suspicious Mail and Packages
- Stay calm.
- Do not open the letter or package (or open any further), do not shake it, do not show it to others, or empty its contents.
- Leave the letter or package where it is or gently place it on the nearest flat surface.
- If possible, gently cover the letter (use a trash can, article of clothing, etc.).
- Shut off any fans or equipment in the area that may circulate the material.
- Alert others nearby to relocate to an area away from the site of the suspicious item. Take essential belongings, like cell phones, keys, purse, etc. with you in case return to your office is delayed.
- Contact the Capitol Police immediately at 911#, 4-0911 in the Senate, or 5-0911 in the House.
- Leave and close the door to the space containing the suspicious letter or package, cover the threshold area with a towel or a coat if possible, and section off the area (keep others away).
- To prevent spreading any powder or hazardous substance to your face, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Relocate to your office's designated room/area, take essential items with you, and keep others away.
- Stay in the designated area until instructed otherwise by the Police. The Police will arrange appropriate medical attention and follow-up procedures as necessary.
These are very basic guidelines that have been developed by the House and Senate Sargent at Arms and the Capitol Police. If you have more questions about identifying suspicious mail and packages or how to respond to a suspicious item, contact the Capitol Police or your respective postmaster for more information and guidance on safe mail handling procedures.
