Suspicious Mail and Package

UCLA receives a high volume of mail and packages each day across campus. A suspicious package or letter is any item that causes concern because of its appearance, labeling, or unexpected nature. While the likelihood of receiving an explosive device through the mail is extremely low, there have been rare incidents in the United States involving mailed devices that resulted in injury, loss of life, or property damage.

Mail handlers or recipients who encounter a suspicious package or letter should immediately contact the UCLA Police Department (UCPD).

If you encounter a suspicious package or letter, your best protection is familiarity with the types of mail normally received in your department and awareness of the following safety procedures.

If you identify a suspicious letter or package, or if the item appears highly suspicious (for example, obvious contamination or a specific written threat):

• Do not open
• Avoid further handling and isolate the item as much as possible
• Evacuate the area, close the room, and prevent further access
• Wash your hands immediately with soap and water
• Contact the UCLA Police Department (UCPD), follow their instructions, and wait for their arrival

Awareness of what may be suspicious is critical. Understanding the normal mail flow for your department will help you recognize items that are out of the ordinary. The following indicators may cause a package or letter to be considered suspicious:

• Envelopes sealed with tape
• Restricted endorsements such as “Personal,” “Private,” or “Addressee Only,” particularly when the addressee does not normally receive personal mail at work
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses, especially those printed in block lettering
• Inaccurate addressee name or title
• No return address or a nonsensical return address
• Incorrect or non-existent departments or position titles
• Misspellings of common words
• Powders, oily stains, discoloration, or unusual odors
• Unusual or unverifiable return addresses
• Mail that is inconsistent with the types of mail normally received
• Distorted handwriting or names and addresses prepared using homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering
• Protruding wires, aluminum foil, oil stains, or unusual odors
• Postmarks or cancellations that do not match the return address location
• Excessive postage or no postage at all
• Packages that feel rigid, uneven, or lopsided
• Unprofessionally wrapped packages secured with multiple types of tape, string, or bearing endorsements such as “Fragile,” “Rush,” “Do Not Delay,” or similar language
• Irregular shape, soft spots, bulges, or sloshing sounds
• Pressure or resistance felt when attempting to remove contents from an envelope or package
• Letters or packages that arrive before or after a phone call from an unknown person asking whether the item was received

Knowing what types of mail your department typically receives is one of the most effective ways to identify suspicious items. If you are unable to verify the contents of a mailing with the sender or intended recipient, do not open it and contact the UCLA Police Department immediately.