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UMKC Police Department Guidelines on Handling Suspicious Mail

Recent events have raised concerns among the university community about how to recognize and handle suspicious mail, particularly with regard to possible related anthrax exposures. While we feel the threat to university members is extremely low, it is prudent to be aware of the procedures.

Recognizing unusual mail:

The FBI has provided information on recognizing suspicious letters/packages image001 (From CDC)

University of Missouri-Kansas City Police Department Mail Screening Checklist

Staff responsible for incoming mail should maintain an awareness of the possibility of anthrax threat letters. This checklist outlines common features of anthrax threat letters.

  • No return address
  • Excessive postage
  • Hand written or poorly typed addresses
  • Misspelling of common words
  • Restrictive markings such as "Confidential", "Personal", etc.
  • Excessive weight and/or a fell of a powdery substance

    • IF YOU RECEIVE A LETTER OR NOTE THREATENING ANTHRAX CONTAMINATION:

    RELAX AND REMAIN CALM - Although any threatened use of biological agent must be treated as though it is real, experience has demonstrated that these are likely to be a HOAX. If the suspected biological agent is reported as Anthrax, be assured that it is NOT contagious, and that treatment is readily available if administered before the onset of symptoms.

    WHAT SHOULD YOU DO

    1. If it is a letter that you have opened, set it down gently at the location where you first read it. Then move to an area that will minimize your exposure to others. Avoid contact with others when possible, and remain in the area. Public Safety and Health responders will come to you.
    2. If it is a note that you happen to find, LEAVE IT ALONE.
    3. Advise a coworker in the immediate area what has happened and ask them to call "911".
    4. If possible, have the buildings ventilation system shut down and turn off any fans in the area.
    5. Do not allow others into the area. If anyone enters, they should stay until instructed to leave by the Police Department or CBARS responders.
    6. Remain calm. Exposure does not mean that you will become sick. Public Health responders will provide specific information and instructions about the symptoms and effective treatment to prevent illness.

    WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT DO

    1. Do not pass the letter or note to others to look at.
    2. Do not disturb any contents in the letter or note. Handling the letter may only spread the substance inside and increase the chances of it getting into the air.
    3. Do not ignore the threat. It must be treated as real until properly evaluated.

    IF YOU RECEIVE A THREAT BY TELEPHONE WHAT SHOULD YOU DO

    1. Call "911" immediately.
    2. If possible, have the buildings ventilation system shut down.
    3. Remain calm, similar threats have all proven false and this is likely to be a hoax as well.

    WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT DO

    1. Do not ignore the threat. It must be treated as real until properly evaluated.
    2. Do not argue with or antagonize the caller.
    3. Listen carefully to the caller so you can recall the details later. Listen for background noises.

    The UMKC Police Department suggests that all "junk mail" not be opened and be trashed. If you are not aware of who the sender of your mail is, do not open it.