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If a package or letter has been opened and contains a written biohazard threat and/or a suspicious powder or material, notify the HazMat Detail. Suspicious Powder Letter and/or Threatening Letter If necessary, the Arson Explosives Detail will contact HazMat Detail to bring the incident to conclusion. Notify the Arson Explosives Detail to conduct a threat assessment. If a letter/package is unopened and determined to be suspicious, do not open it. Under no circumstances should patrol personnel handle the letter/package.
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When a patrol unit is assigned to handle a call involving a suspicious letter/package, the following procedures should be utilized. If the letter/package has already been opened revealing a suspicious powder, follow the policy below. Keep in mind that these characteristics historically indicate the presence of an explosive device in which case the Arson Explosives Detail should be requested. City or state in postmark does not match return address.Marked with restrictive endorsements (i.e., “Personal,” “Confidential”).Return address fake or unfamiliar to addressee.Excessive security material (i.e., masking tape, string, etc.).Content makes noise when tipped like sand inside.Presence of residue powder or granular substance.Some characteristics of suspicious letters/packages may include, but are not limited to, the following: One or more of the following characteristics may not be indicative of an actual threat, however, these indicators should be used in conjunction with the totality of the circumstances to assess the viability of the threat. Indicators of Suspicious Letters/Packages In all incidents where victims exhibit signs or complain of symptoms of exposure, the Fire Department must be requested immediately. Do not assume you are dealing with a suspicious powder just because the informant used the term anthrax when they reported the incident.Īdditionally, this directive does not address traditional hazardous materials incidents (refer to Emergency Operations Procedures 2-4, Hazardous Materials Incidents) or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents involving victims with signs and symptoms (refer to Field Operations Directive 05-05, Weapons of Mass Destruction Guidelines and Emergency Operations Procedures 4-3, Weapons of Mass Destruction). It should be noted that an improvised explosive device can be hidden in something as small as a greeting card envelope.
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Characteristics of a suspicious package manual#
Refer to Manual of Policy and Procedures, section 5-06/080.15, Patrol Unit’s Responsibilities – Notifications – Safety Precautions, when dealing with suspected explosive device situations. This directive focuses on procedures for handling suspicious powder letters/packages of a potential biohazard nature and not incidents of suspected explosive devices. Although not related to terrorism, these powders are generally sent intentionally and, as such, constitute both federal and state crimes with or without a written threat accompanying them. Numerous years after the Anthrax incidents, patrol personnel continue to respond to incidents involving suspicious powders being sent through the mail. *These recommendations were published on October 26, 2001, in Update: Investigation of bioterrorism-related anthrax and interim guidelines for exposure management and antimicrobial therapy.HANDLING SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES/LETTERS RE: BIOLOGICAL HAZARD PURPOSE Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may have handled this package or letter.If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency. If at work, notify a supervisor, a security officer, or a law enforcement official.Seek additional instructions for exposed or potentially exposed persons. WASH hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin.If possible, shut off the ventilation system. Leave the area, close any doors, and take actions to prevent others from entering the area. Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope.Put the package or envelope down on a stable surface do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at any contents which may have spilled.Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others or allow others to examine it.Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package or envelope.