Suspicious ParcelLetter Familiarization Briefing

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Suspicious Parcel/Letter Familiarization Briefing
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PURPOSE
The purpose of this briefing is to familiarize
you with the characteristics of a suspect
parcel/letter.
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REASON
Recent threats of terrorist attacks from
transnational terrorist groups have motivated
L-3/DPA to educate everyone, without delay,
concerning the importance of being alert for and
recognizing suspicious parcels and letters as a
Force Protection initiative. Becoming familiar
with the characteristics of suspect parcels can
help avert a tragedy.
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Bottom-Line

• This information may save YOUR life!

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TOPICS

• Identifying Suspicious Mail
• Key Characteristics
• Special Handling
• Sample Letter/Package-Bomb
• Summary

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Identifying Suspicious Mail

• ANY suspicious-looking package or letter should
  be considered as a potential bomb and should be
  treated accordingly.

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Some Characteristics of Suspicious Mail

• Its unexpected or from someone you dont know.
• Its addressed to someone no longer at your
  address.
• Its handwritten and has no return address or
  bears one that you cant confirm is legitimate.
• Its marked Personal or Confidential.

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More Characteristics

• The label has misspelled words.
• The return address and the postmark differ (in
  terms of location).
• It is lopsided or lumpy in appearance.
• It is sealed with excessive amounts of tape.
• It has excessive postage.

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More Characteristics

• The handwriting appears to be in a foreign style.
• The typewritten address appears poorly typed.
• The item has a peculiar smell. (many explosives
  used by terrorists smell like shoe polish or
  almonds.) But SEMTEX is a plastic explosive and
  could be odorless.

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Still More Characteristics

• The item is unusually heavy or light. (SEMTEX
  along with a detonating cap, can be inserted
  inside a 5 x 6 musical greeting card,
  undetected.)
• There is a springiness to the top, bottom, or
  sides.
• There is metal or wire visible.
• The package wrapping is stained with grease or
  oil.

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Special Handling Instructions

• DO NOT open or move.
• DO NOT place in water or in confined areas.
• ISOLATE package and clear the area.
• Dont shake it, bump it, or sniff it.
• Make sure clerical staff know to refuse all
  unexpected mail at the office.

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More Special Handling Instructions

• REMEMBER - IT MAY BE A BOMB - TREAT IT as
  SUSPECT!
• WHEN IN DOUBT contact the FSO or local Police
  Department right away!

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USPS Training Poster
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(No Transcript)
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SUMMARY

• Be on constant alert for suspicious parcels.
• Familiarization with Letter/ Package-Bomb
  characteristics can help avert a tragedy.
• All Mail-Handling and Admin personnel must be
  properly trained in Letter/Package-Bomb
  identification.
• When in doubt, contact the FSO, Site Security Rep
  or Local Police Department.

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The LIFE you save could be YOURS!

• Questions?