Sometimes a threat is a package service instead of an assailant busting through the front door. On October 24, 2018, a political activist sent 13 packages containing possible destructive devices to prominent politicians, CNN, and actor Robert DiNiro. Fortunately, the devices were detected without anyone being injured.
What makes a package suspicious? The FBI and ATF developed downloadable suspicious package guidelines that include the following:
Stains, unusual odors, protruding wires, electrical tape
No postage, non-cancelled postage, or excessive postage
Package wrapped in string or twine; thick or stiff envelopes
Nonsensical or no return address; addressee no longer with the organization.
Foreign addresses, writing, or postage
Badly typed, handwritten, or misspelled name or address
Handwritten notes such as: “To be opened in private,” or “Confidential”
Note: The above list is not comprehensive. Refer to FBI and ATF guidelines
AS360’s Intelligence Officer, George Collins, had U. S. ARMY EOD experience dealing with destructive packages from the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Black September. George noted that many of those packages had none of the characteristics we listed.
Your security assessment should include an analysis of your suspicious package procedures. Key points include:
1. Develop a formal procedure and train/exercise your mailroom and clerical staff.
2. Cultivate a culture where everyone feels comfortable reporting a suspicious package.
3. Clear the room immediately and call law enforcement if a package or mail is questionable.
4. Post FBI and ATF guidelines on appropriate bulletin boards.
Key Takeaway:
Conduct a security assessment of your suspicious package/mail procedures. Take advantage of readily available federal guidelines. Trust your instincts and take action if a package/mail doesn’t look right.
What are your thoughts?
