#  Suspicious Mail 

 



Harvard University receives many types of packages and letters each day. Mail handlers who receive mail that seems suspicious should contact Harvard University Police (5-1212) immediately.

If you encounter a suspicious package or letter, your best protection is your knowledge of the types of mail you normally handle and your awareness of some of the following procedures. If you identify a suspicious letter or package (i.e. obvious contamination or specific written threats):

- Do not open
- Avoid further handling and isolate item as best as possible
- Evacuate the area, close the room, and prevent further access
- Wash your hands immediately with soap and water
- Call the Harvard University Police Department and follow their instructions

Be aware of letters or packages that have suspicious traits that include, but are not limited to:

- Envelopes sealed with excessive tape
- Handwritten or poorly typed addresses, especially those in hand-printed block lettering
- Incorrect or non-existent departments or position titles
- Misspelling of common words
- Powders, oily stains, discolorations, or strange odors
- Unusual or unverifiable return addresses
- Restrictive endorsements such as “Personal", “Confidential”, or “Addressee Only”
- Mail that is inconsistent with the types of mail normally received

**HUPD Cambridge/Allston Campus:** (617) 495-1212

**Longwood Campus:** (617) 432-1212

The United States Postal Inspection Department may be called by HUPD to assist in the investigation.

The United States Postal Service has increased security procedures at all of its facilities. For additional information, [refer to the Suspicious Mail and Safe Mail Handling fact sheets](https://about.usps.com/publications/pub166/pub166_v04_revision_112019_tech_015.htm) from the USPS and the Department of Homeland Security. Mail Center managers may want to post these guidelines for their employees.