What are the 4 C's for suspicious packages?

When dealing with suspicious items apply the 4 Cs protocol: CONFIRM, CLEAR, COMMUNICATE AND CONTROL.


What are 3 examples of a suspicious package?

Suspicious packages
  • Unfamiliar return address or none at all.
  • Strange odour or noise.
  • Protruding wires.
  • Excessive postage.
  • Misspelled words.
  • Addressed to a business title only (e.g. President)
  • Restrictive markings (e.g. Do not X-ray)
  • Badly typed or written.


What are the recommended steps if you see a suspicious package?

If You Find a Suspicious Package or Item
  • Do not touch, move, or alter the object.
  • Inform others and keep people away from the area.
  • Once you have left the immediate area, call 911. Provide your name, location, object location, and suspicious details.
  • Write down any information you have about the object.


Which of these is a possible indicator of a suspicious package?

Excessive postage. Misspelled common words. No return address or strange return address. Unusual addressing, such as not being addressed to a specific person or the use of incorrect titles or titles with no name.

How to recognize and handle a suspicious package or envelope?

Identifying suspicious packages and envelopes
  1. Inappropriate or unusual labeling. Excessive postage. Handwritten or poorly typed addresses. Misspellings of common words. ...
  2. Appearance. Powdery substance on the package or envelope. Oily stains, discolorations or odor. ...
  3. Other suspicious signs. Excessive weight. Ticking sound.


HOT / HOTS Protocol / Procedure for Suspicious or Unattended Items Video



What makes a package suspicious USPS?

Items of unusual weight relative to their size, or that are lopsided or oddly shaped. Items which are sealed with excessive amounts of tape. An item containing a postmark which does not match the return address or bears an excessive amount of postage. Mailpiece is leaking an unknown powdery substance.

What is the two most important things staff should remember regarding suspicious items?

Regardless, there are two big procedures to keep in mind: If warranted, the area surrounding the object must be evacuated immediately. A suspicious item should NEVER be touched unless you are trained and authorized to do so.

What are suspicious packages?

A suspicious package is any package causing concern as to its content because of its appearance or labeling. The likelihood of your ever receiving a bomb in the mail is extremely remote.


Which of the following are signs of a suspicious postal item?

poorly or inaccurately addressed address printed unevenly or unusually. unfamiliar writing or unusual style. unusual postmark or no postmark. more stamps than needed for size or weight of package.

What makes a Fedex package suspicious?

A suspicious package is a mail item of unknown contents which can potentially cause injury or destruction or is designed to appear threatening in nature.

What are suspicious actions?

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate a person may be involved in a crime or about to commit a crime.


How do packages get flagged?

Mail may be flagged if the letter or package is stained or is leaking. According to a USPS brochure, reused packaging and boxes are only acceptable when all markings and labels are removed or completely marked out.

What are suspicious indicators?

Possible Indicators of Suspicious or Terrorist Activities:

Suspects may possess Forged, Altered or Stolen Identifications. May try to have a “cover story” or appear 'normal' in their behavior such as portraying a student or tourist. Identity Documents may be in various names. May carry and use large amounts of cash.

What are examples of suspicious activity?

Persons entering or leaving a business after hours. Sounds of breaking glass, gunshots, screaming, car alarms, or anything suggestive of foul play. Persons loitering near schools, parks, or secluded areas in your neighborhood. Open or broken windows at a closed business or residence.


What does USPS do with suspicious mail?

Postal Inspectors within the Dangerous Mail Investigations Program are specially trained to recognize the common characteristics of suspicious mail and use an array of specialized screening equipment to identify and mitigate threats to postal infrastructure, its employees, and the general public.

Can USPS open suspicious packages?

Unlike in criminal investigations, the ANP program does not require postal inspectors to obtain search warrants to open detained packages. Rather, they request consent from mailers or addressees to open detained packages. If there is no response after 21 days, packages are declared abandoned and can be opened.

What does hot stand for suspicious package?

H – Has the item been Hidden? Has it deliberately been concealed? O – Is it Obviously suspicious? Does it seem odd or out of place, is there wires, liquids or batteries sticking out of it? T – Is it Typical for the location?


Does USPS scan your packages?

The Postal Service's goal is to scan all barcoded mailpieces (flats, letters, and packages) that enter the mailstream and track those items with additional scans up to the point of delivery. Scanning accuracy is critically important to the success of real-time visibility.

How do you handle suspicious activity?

Know your surroundings and who or what should or shouldn't be there. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately. Don't make judgments about what may or may not be a serious situation and don't assume that someone else has called the police. Safety and security is everyone's responsibility!

How do you handle suspicious calls?

More Resources
  1. If you encounter a suspected phone scam or an abusive telemarketer, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, online or at 877-382-4357, and notify your state consumer protection office.
  2. Report caller-ID spoofing to the Federal Communications Commission, online or at 888-225-5322.


How do you deal with suspicious?

Handling a Suspicious Person:

Do not physically confront the person. Do not let unknown individual into a locked building or office. Lock offices and residence hall rooms when unattended. Do not prop doors open or allow persons to “tailgate” into buildings.

How does USPS check packages for drugs?

The only way that an item sent through USPS can be seized and searched is with a search warrant. If there is probable cause to believe that a letter or package contains something that is in violation of federal law, then the Postal Inspectors can request a search warrant to open the piece of mail.

Does USPS actually investigate?

We Do!

As a federal law enforcement organization with almost 250 years of experience, our Inspectors investigate every aspect of mail-related crime--including mail theft, mail fraud, and mail containing dangerous items or substances.


What does USPS consider irregular packages?

An irregular package is basically anything outside of normal packaging, dimensions, and weights for both USPS and UPS services. Some examples of these kinds of packages are mailing tubes, or anything that isn't inside a cardboard box, envelope, or poly mailer.

What are the 4 threat indicators?

Indicators of a potential insider threat can be broken into four categories--indicators of: recruitment, information collection, information transmittal and general suspicious behavior.