The possible use of the mail services to conduct acts of terrorism has received a lot of attention. There is certainly no reason to suggest that the Law School would be a logical target. There is no reason for any of us to panic here or at home.  Nevertheless, we should all be aware of the basic guidelines for handling mail and for reporting suspicious mail type items.

The Law School's mail room contractor, has required all their employees to attend a seminar which teaches staff how to identify and respond to suspicious envelopes and parcels. This action complements additional safety measures adopted by the United States Postal Service to protect the nation's mail system and handlers.  You may obtain more in depth information about these measures from the Postal Service.

Whether at the law school or at your home, you should use common sense and care when inspecting and opening envelopes and parcels.  Do not open these items with your hands. Use a letter opener (for envelopes) and a sharp object for parcels.  Avoid shaking or turning these items upside down.  The information below describes how to identity and respond to suspicious articles.  You can also obtain more in depth information about mail handling issues from the New York State Department of Health at or the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.

What is a suspicious envelope or parcel?

A simple example of a suspicious envelope or parcel is one which you are not expecting.  In the past you may have taken no precautions and opened the item.  However, you should now more closely examine and exercise good judgement and reason in determining whether an item is suspect before you open it.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Service have identified the following characteristics of suspicious mail articles:

1)  strange or threatening messages written on the item.

2)  oily stains on the outer surface.

3)  lopsided, rigid, bulky, discolored, or have a strange odor.

4)  protruding wires or other objects.

5)  bearing no return address.

6)  no postage or non-canceled postage.

7)  improper spelling of common names, places, or titles.

Always take time to closely examine each article of mail before you open it.

Unopened: You think an article is suspicious- What should you do?

You have attributed the slanted handwriting to a left-handed person, the likelihood that the machine which cancels the postage stamps missed a part of one, and that the mechanical mail sorting machines damaged the edge of the envelope.  However, after adding all of these observations together, you have reservations about opening the article.

1)  Do not panic.  Contact the Mail Room Supervisor (Office: Lower Level, 57 Worth Street, Room L1, 212-431-2835) or in his or her absence the person in charge.  If the situation warrants, he will also notify the Assistant Vice President for Security & Safety (Office: Lower Level, 57 Worth Street, Room L2, 212-431-2837) or in his absence the Senior Security Coordinator or most senior officer at extension 2123 and they will come to your office area.

2)  Do not open the envelope or parcel or shake it around.


3)  Place it down on a flat and clear surface and leave the room.  Do not permit others to enter.

4)  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Opened: You think an article is suspicious- What should you do?

If there is a substance or a threatening message inside you should close the article.  To reduce the possibility of additional exposure, do not clean up anything which has spilled.

1)  Do not panic.  Contact the Mail Room Supervisor (Office: Lower Level, 57 Worth Street, Room L1, 212-431-2835) or in his or her absence the person in charge.  If the situation warrants, he will also notify the Assistant Vice President for Security & Safety (Office: Lower Level, 57 Worth Street, Room L2, 212-431-2837) or in his absence the Senior Security Coordinator or most senior officer at extension 2123 and they will come to your office area.

2)  Close all doors and windows and do not permit others to enter the room.  Have all the persons who were in the vicinity where the article was opened wait with you.

3)  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

4)  If your clothing is covered with the suspect substance, do not brush the material off.

Reporting an incident to outside authorities

If a situation arises that requires a response from uniform police or public health agency personnel, the Assistant Vice President for Security & Safety or the Senior Security Coordinator or most senior officer will contact the appropriate local and/or state authorities.

When you are away from the Law School

Your personal safety is of concern to us even when you are away from the law school. Should you encounter a situation described above you should notify your local police precinct and/or the following agencies for advice and/or assistance: