In the interest of security and occupational safety in the workplace, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Office of Compliance are issuing this reminder on safe mail handling procedures for all Legislative Branch employees.

It is critical for all staff to remain alert for the tell-tale signs of potentially dangerous mail and packages. Staff must also remember the basic procedures for handling an item that has come under suspicion.

These are very basic guidelines. For more detailed information, we have provided additional resources for your reference. You may also contact the Capitol Police or your respective postmaster for more information and guidance on safe mail handling procedures.

How to Recognize Suspicious Packages and Mail

One indicator of a suspicious package or piece of mail includes inappropriate or unusual labeling, such as:

• 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
• Restrictive markings, such as “personal,” “confidential,” or “do not x-ray”
• Postmarks that do not match return addresses

Other indicators include an unusual or inappropriate appearance, including:

• Powdery substances felt through or appearing on the item
• Oily stains or discolorations on the exterior
• Strange odors
• Excessive packaging material, like tape or string
• Lopsided or bulky shape of envelopes or boxes
• Ticking sounds, protruding wires, or exposed aluminum foil

Procedures for Responding to Suspicious Packages and Mail

• Stay calm.
• Do not open the letter or package (or open any further), do not shake it, do not show it to others, or empty its contents.
• Leave the letter or package where it is or gently place it on the nearest flat surface.
• If possible, gently cover the letter (use a trash can, article of clothing, etc.).
• Shut off any fans or equipment in the area that may circulate the material.