Recognizing and Responding to Suspicious Mail
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Several General Services employees recently attended a Suspicious Mail Training at the County Operations Center (COC). While the County’s Mail Services handles mail every day, there are a few essential lessons that are important for all County employees who may handle or receive mail – even occasionally—to keep in mind.
Identifying suspicious mail pieces involves paying special attention to certain characteristics, including the shape, appearance, smell, address information and packaging. Irregular shapes, unexpected odors, strange addresses, and unusual packaging are all signs that should not be ignored.
Once a suspicious mail piece has been identified, use the three Ps:
Package: Do not handle it. Leave it where it is and avoid trying to clean it up, move it, or bag it. Isolate the area where the package is.
People: Notify a supervisor immediately, clear the area, inform employees to avoid disturbing the mail piece, and turn off HVAC and similar equipment.
Plan: Supervisors should activate the organization’s emergency plan, go to evacuation points if necessary, and practice these plans quarterly.
If you have questions or would like to be added to an interest list for upcoming trainings, contact County Security Initiative Program Coordinator Kat Anady at kat.anady@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-613-6841.