Suspicious Mail & Packages

Suspicious packages, bomb threats and other suspicious activities are not unusual or uncommon events on college campuses across the United States. These incidents have occurred all too frequently during demonstrations and times of civil unrest.

If for any reason a person feels uncomfortable in evaluating suspicious packages or letters, they should contact the campus police for a risk assessment. During these times of increased awareness our actions should be driven by common sense and rational thinking, not by paranoia and hysteria.

Protocol for response to possible anthrax, biohazard exposures

IUPD officers with an on-duty shift commander will conduct a risk assessment concerning the potential for exposure to biohazards, such as anthrax, prior to choosing a course of action. They will consider the credibility of the exposure and if the exposure could result in either inhalational or cutaneous anthrax. The potential that an exposure really is anthrax is higher when:

There is a distinct threatening message accompanying the powder or substance.
The substance is brown or sandy-brown rather than stark- white.
A letter or package is otherwise suspicious as described on the U.S. Postal Service “Suspicious Mail Alert” poster.

The potential that an exposure really is anthrax is lower when:

The exposure includes situations in which a white powder is found without an accompanying note.
Someone might expect a spill of a common substance e.g. spilled sugar, creamer, talcum powder, etc.
The substance comes in a package or letter that can be traced to the sender.

Guidelines for packages and letters with a credible threat

A suspicious unopened letter or package marked with threatening message such as "anthrax"

Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
If you do not have any container, cover the envelope or package with anything, such as clothing, paper, or a trash can, and do not remove this cover.
Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
What to do next:
- If you are at home, report the incident to local police by dialing 911.
- If you are at work, then report the incident to campus police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
List all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.

An envelope with powder, or powder spills out onto surface

DO NOT try to clean up the powder. Cover the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.

Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
What to do next:
- If you are at home, then report the incident to local police by dialing 911.
- If you are at work, then report the incident to campus police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag, or some other container that can be sealed. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.
Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on your skin.
List all people who were in the room or area. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.